A grandfather-of-10 has won an international award for his efforts to build community cohesion in a multi-cultural society.

Dr Shaukhat Khan, of Leytonstone, was awarded a Community Excellence Award at the Pakistan Achievement Awards in Perivale on Friday, December 2.

He is chairman of Walthamstow Migrants’ Action Group and is project manager of Waltham Forest Senior Citizens Asian Group.

The 67-year-old said: “I was very humbled to receive this award.

“Over the years I have worked to raise the issues of the community such as racism.

“It think it is very important to promote cohesion and to show the valuable contribution everyone can make.

“I dedicated this award to all the unsung heroes working quietly in the hospitals and looking after disabled people.”

Dr Khan was made an Honorary Ambassador to the Philippines by the government of the Sultanate of Buayan in September.

Over 500 people attended the ceremony which saw people from across Europe awarded for their work.