The borough’s deputy lieutenant has been selected to be patron of a charity for deaf people in Harrow.

Representative Deputy Lieutenant John Purnell, and his wife Margaret, will be patrons of Harrow Asian Deaf Club (HADC), whose 250 members meet monthly at the Bentley Day Centre in Uxbridge Road.

DL Purnell joined the Metropolitan Police in 1963, retiring in 1998 as deputy assistant commissioner. He was awarded the George Medal by the Queen in 1977 for his work in the capture of IRA terrorists.

He was made deputy lieutenant – a ceremonial role bestowed on distinguished residents who have served the community – for Harrow in 2007.

Asif Iqbal, president of HADC, said: “I’m honoured that John and Margaret Purnell agreed to become our patrons, which has given us a huge boost in raising profile for HADC.

We also had the pleasure of their company during the recent Queen Diamond Jubilee event last month. Both John and Margaret were very warm and affectionate to everyone during our special reception and our HADC members were equally thrilled to have their support in our work.”

The club, which encourages those who are not deaf or are learning British Sign Language to take part, was nominated for a National Diversity Award last week for its community work for the disabled.

In a statement, DL Purnell and his wife said: “We are extremely honoured and delighted to have been asked to become the first patrons of the HADC.

“We are hugely impressed with this vibrant club which actively supports and promotes the needs and aspirations of Harrow's deaf community - from whatever ethnic or religious background.”

The charity also announced that MPs Bob Blackman and Gareth Thomas, Assembly Member for Brent and Harrow Navin Shah, Councillors Kareem Marikar and Lurline Champagnie and Olympic torchbearer Ben Lampert would all become ambassadors.