The Rotherhithe & Bermondsey Local History Society has announced that Tommy Steele OBE has become the organisation’s first-ever patron.

At a packed AGM held last week at Time & Talents in Rotherhithe, members of the society which Tommy referred to as both”thoughtful and exciting” voted unanimously in favour of the appointment.

Outgoing chairman Michael Daniels said: “Tommy was born and bred in these parts and has often spoken of his affection for the neighbourhood in which he started out.

“He is an amazingly multi-talented individual who has been a household name for as long as I can remember, and I am delighted that he has agreed to become our first ever patron.”

The appointment also marks the end of Michael Daniels’ six-year stint as chairman, a period which has seen the conversion of the organisation into an independent society and a near doubling of membership.

Daniels goes on to become vice president and is replaced at the helm by Claire Sexton.