Soldier Simon on parade at Wimbledon

Former Dinnington Comprehensive School pupil Simon, now a Warrant Officer Class 1 at 11 Infantry Brigade in Aldershot, is one of 335 service personnel following a 69-year tradition of volunteering at the championships who are on hand to assist the public, members and guests.

Simon said: “I have volunteered for Wimbledon since 2009.

“Being involved in such an immensely prestigious event such as Wimbledon is hugely rewarding.”

The service stewards’ role at Wimbledon is to man the gangways and help visitors find their seats, make sure they are comfortable and to offer support to the other organisations.

To the steward, however, interacting with the public is the most important part of the job.

Simon said: “We are representing the British Military. It is fantastic to be able to interact with the public.

“There is an immense interest in what we do, being able to explain to them face-to-face most certainly makes a difference and gives them a better understanding of the military as a whole.”

Service stewards work in groups including a representative from each service and each person holds the same post for the full two weeks, which gives the added benefit of each knowing exactly where the nearest fire point is, how to get St John’s Ambulance and also where the nearest water fountain is located.

For Simon, this year's Championships was be his last, as he had been appointed as a Commissioned Officer within the Army.