The grandson of an Islamic community leader who recently passed away, has spoken about his family’s plans to carry on his grandfather’s legacy.

Mohammed Usman Sharif, 23, of Third Avenue, Manor Park, said that his family plan to continue the charitable work of the Late Mohammad Sharif in Newham, as well as in Kashmir, where they hope to build a school named after him.

Mr Sharif, 90, peacefully passed away at East Ham Care Centre on December 20, 2013.

Within his lifetime he co-founded the Anjuman-e-Islamia Mosque in High Street North and created the Kashmir Relief and Development Foundation, raising money to build new schools in Kashmir after it was struck with an earthquake in 2005.

Grandson Mohammed said: “I want to continue the good work he did by supporting the Muslim community in Newham and encouraging people to donate to his charity. It’s early days but we are hoping to build a new school in his name.”

The late Mohammad Sharif was an ex-British Army soldier who fought in the Second World War and came to the UK from Kashmir in 1964.

He will be remembered by many as an outstanding philanthropist who devoted many years to the mosque and the residents of Newham.

Local MP, Mr Stephen Timms and member of British House of Lords, Lord Nazir Ahmed, paid their condolences to the family and commented on the wonderful nature of Late Mohammad Sharif and his work for the community of Newham.