An inspirational man who “brought music back into the hearts” of his choir has been hailed as one of this year’s Harrow’s Heroes.

David Phelops started the Harrow Community Choir, now called More Than Just a Choir, in 2009, acting as the group’s coordinator and musical director.

The choir, which has around 70 members, welcomes those affected by mental illness including their carers and friends.

He said: “I was asked to set the group up during a course, where a woman said she wanted to start singing, so I said I would help set it up but didn’t want to do it for too long.

“But five and a half years later I’m still here, and it’s very much a labour of love now.

“We meet for three hours every Tuesday evening, and spend half the time singing and half socializing – so it helps build confidence, friendships and reintegrate them into wider society.”

In addition to weekly rehearsals, the choir performs both in Harrow and beyond, and also runs social events and outings.

Membership of the choir is free – something Mr Phelops maintains is incredibly important to those who attend.

He said: “I would far rather a millionaire be able to attend for free, than someone who really relies on the group not be able to attend because of the cost.

“We’re all volunteers, we buy cheaper music and there are no salaries involved so we don’t need much to run it.

“It’s very important it stays this way so people can keep enjoying it.”

The musical director and volunteer has now been nominated – not once but twice – for the Bringing People Together award in this year’s Harrow’s Heroes competition.

One person who nominated him for the award said: “He has inspired Harrow Community Choir, devoting much time and effort from arranging legal sheet music from publishers, once a week group rehearsals, to dates with the Mayor of Harrow, the BBC Choir and introducing the group to 'open mic' sessions around London.

“David has brought music back into the hearts of so many people who'd forgotten it was there.

“No one else will nominate him, for ironically he is an unsung hero of Harrow.”

Mr Pehlops said: “I feel really chuffed. I always try and do what we’re doing for the joy of it, but there is the human side of me that is really pleased with the recognition.

“To be honest, I get as much out of it as the people who come along each week.

“I love conducting and I love being a part of the group, so I really do it for the love of it.”

The choir has previously supported Harrow’s Heroes after being signed up to perform at last year’s awards ceremony, and will perform again this year.