The president of a deaf club feels “humbled and honoured” after he was named as one of the most inspirational role models of the year.

Asif Iqbal, who runs Harrow Asian Deaf Club, was highly commended in the European Diversity Awards 2013 on Thursday night.

Sponsored by Ernst & Young, the awards ceremony was held at the Natural History Museum in Central London and attended by more than 700 European officials, business leaders and politicians.

Mr Iqbal said: “I was shocked when my name came up on the large screen as highly commended for the European Diversity Award, with roaring applause.

“It was totally unexpected especially with an impressive numbers of respectful candidates and their amazing achievements.”