When Conservative Moor Park and Eastbury councillor Amrit Mediratta was appointed to the prestigious post of council chairman in May last year he made three promises: to reach out to all sections of the community, to remain impartial, and to raise as much money for his chosen charities as possible.

On all three counts the popular Moor Park architect has remained true to his word, chairing meetings with an even hand, raising more than £16,000 for charity, and winning a great deal of respect and admiration along the way.

In his inaugural speech he stressed the importance of engaging with different faith groups and promised that during his term in office he would do all he could to encourage community cohesion.

To this end he organised a large multi faith event in October, visited numerous churches, synagogues, mosques and temples, and, in a break with tradition, welcomed leaders from different faiths to take prayers at the start of full council meetings.

Councillor Mediratta, a chartered architect with his own practice in Harrow, says his year in office has been better than he could have hoped.

Along the way he has attended countless community functions and raised more than £16,000 for his two chosen charities, Different Strokes and the Parkinson's Disease Society.

He said: "It was a tremendous honour for me to be selected as chairman. I didn't realise at first that it would be so good but it turned out to be so much better than I expected.

"One of the highlights has been meeting so many people from so many different backgrounds. When I became chairman I said I would reach out to all sections of our community; I think I have kept truthful to that."

The role of a council chairman is similar to that of a mayor. He or she is expected to do three things: be politically impartial at all times, represent the council at public events, and make sure all parties adhere to its constitution.

Despite his history as a former leader of the council's Conservative group, Councillor Mediratta said he had tried at all times to be fair and even-handed - so much so that, on occasion, he had to rebuke his own party colleagues.

Of most significance to Councillor Mediratta, however, has been his tireless fundraising.

Three years ago the married father-of-two suffered a stroke, spent eight days in Watford General Hospital and battled for months to recover.

He said: "That experience really changed my life. I was very lucky because my wife called the doctor quickly. I have made a good recovery but other people are not so lucky.

"A great friend of mine had a stroke at 47 and was really badly crippled by it. Different Strokes helps younger victims like him.

"So far we have raised £16,000 and have more to come."

Liberal Democrat council leader Ann Shaw said: "Amrit has been both fair and firm in his handling of council meetings.

"He has worked very hard and been a popular chairman with all members. I think his inclusive approach to all sections of our local community has been excellent."

Councillor Mediratta, who represents the Moor Park and Eastbury ward, hopes to retain his seat after today's election count and will continue to serve as vice president of the committee on sustainable development at the Council of Europe.