An experienced doorman from Reading has praised the influence of multiculturalism on his life, debunking fears surrounding immigration as 'absolute nonsense'.

Describing his daily interactions with his community, 55-year-old Darren, who has been a doorman for 20 years in Reading, says his life has only 'enriched' due to immigration.

In a poignant discussion with radio host Shelagh Fogarty, he said: “In the eighties, all the Jamaicans and Indians who I went to school with, their mums and dads came over in the sixties and were our nurses and bus drivers. They are part of our community."

He added: "On a Friday night, I go for a nice Indian curry and on a Saturday I go for a kebab on the way home. It doesn’t matter what colour, creed, or religion you are. If you live in my community, you are my people.

"We are together."

His words come in light of aggressive protests breaking out across the UK this week following a stabbing attack in Southport.

However, the Reading doorman insists immigration is not the villain typically portrayed in political rhetoric.

"It’s really getting to me – our problems and our daily lives have nothing to do with immigration - but the politicians will tell you that it is.

"That the reason we have problems with the NHS, or can’t pay your bills is because of the people coming on the boats and it’s nonsense, its absolute nonsense.

"We’re together, we need to stick together," he stated.

He also mentioned the community spirit during the late Queen’s jubilee and the united celebrations in his community park, which was filled with multicultural festivity, including West Indian food and reggae music.

In response to his caller's compelling monologue, radio host Shelagh Fogarty said: "What you are demonstrating and illustrating there is proper heart and soul.

"That’s what you’ve put into your friendships and your neighbourliness and your community over the years, and into your children and they will carry it on."

Further echoing her admiration, Fogarty proclaimed that Darren's heartfelt account was 'the best call of my entire career', encouraging others to 'be more Darren'.

Darren's insights serve as a timely reminder of the benefits of multiculturalism and the need to stand together amid divisive narratives and misinformation, with his imprint on the community encapsulated in his credo: "If you live in my community, you are my people, we are together."

Members of the community reached out on social media following the phone call on LBC with the hashtag #BeMoreDarren.

One member of the Reading community said: “If anyone knows the legend that is Darren (from Reading), please tell him he is always welcome to our home, our door is open to him and his family. Come and enjoy food and conversation, we’d be honoured by your visit.

“What a beautiful soul.”