I was sorry to hear that Vernon had passed away on 23 September.

He was a pioneering influence in the BBC and helped to lay the foundation for the work we are continuing to do to make sure our staff and our programmes are truly representative of our nation's diverse population.

We remember with gratitude and pride his launching of London Sounds Eastern on BBC Radio London, and his generosity in mentoring and training people from ethnic minority backgrounds for the BBC.

Vernon will be greatly missed for his warmth, his integrity and his commitment. May I offer you and your family my sincere condolences in your loss.

With kind regards and best wishes,

Greg Dyke

DIRECTOR-GENERAL

BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION