Dagenham resident dedicates new pond in his back-garden to the Queen

Rabiul (Robbie) Islam, who lives on Temple Avenue, said he started the project on September 17 and just four days later, on September 20, he had dug the hole and added water, plants and goldfish to it.

Robbie said it took him four days to complete the pond (Image: Rabiul Islam)

He said: "Twice, I had to yank out the water because it wasn't actually working nicely. On the third time I made it and since then, the fishes are swimming alright.

"I've been very very unwell for the last four months. I'm still going to hospital and that is so painful. Normally, I go to all kinds of ceremonies wherever [they are] but unfortunately because of my health situation [I couldn't]."

Robbie built his pond in honour of Queen Elizabeth II, who he calls 'the greatest Queen' (Image: Rabiul Islam)

He added: "I was at home... thinking about the Queen. I thought... 'I must do something'.

"So then I sat down and I decided... I must dig a garden pond where I can [put] fishes and plants, organisms.

"As long as they are there and survive, I believe that will bless the Queen because she used to love plants.

"She used to love everything but she had a special care for the environment."