A former social worker has been rewarded in the latest round of new year’s honours for his services to charity.

Kanti Nagda, from Harrow, was awarded an OBE for his work supporting refugees over almost 50 years.

He said he was “delighted” to receive the award in recognition of the “many hurdles” he has overcome in life.

Mr Nagda arrived in London in 1972 after the expulsion of south Asians from Uganda under Idi Amin.

With just “£50 in his pocket” he immediately set-up a centre in North Harrow for fellow Ugandan immigrants to socialise and share information.

His desire to help others landed him a role with Harrow Council, where he worked as a social worker focused on supporting minorities and new arrivals in the borough.

During his 12 years at the council, he helped create the Harrow Race Relations Council and campaigned for a vegetarian ‘meals on wheels’ service.

He explained that things have moved on, for the better, when it comes to supporting immigrants in the UK.

“Today, they accept refugees from all over the world. Now things are different, but back then we had to fight,” he said.

At the same time, he worked on his newfound charity the Anglo-Indian Circle, moving to a full-time role in 1994.

This provided space for people to benefit from cultural and religious activities and helped them feel at home in new surroundings.

The charity moved to the Sangat Centre, which is now housed in Sancroft Road, Harrow, and caters for all nationalities.

Mr Nagda explained how he had to lobby for support from outside bodies due to the financial limitations of the council.

The new building, which cost £700,000, opened in 2002 and has supported around 1,500 people each year.