The president of a charity set up to help vulnerable children and families has stepped down.

Stanmore-based Norwood has announced that Richard Desmond, the newspaper and magazine publisher, is to stand down as president at the end of March after more than eight years in the role, liaising with celebrities and helping with fundraising efforts.

The RD Crusaders WorkHub, which was named after and launched by the band in which Richard plays with Roger Daltrey of The Who, also continues to provide employment programmes to ensure that people with learning disabilities have the best opportunity to obtain paid work.

Mr Desmond, who is the owner of Express Newspapers and founder of magazine publishers Northern and Shell, said: “My connection with Norwood dates back to my youth and I’ve been particularly honoured to serve the charity as its president since 2006.

“I’ve seen first-hand how Norwood transforms people’s lives, young and old, and how its efforts can truly capture the imagination.

“I wish all the hard-working staff and trustees the very best for the future and have no doubt I’ll continue to stay connected.”