A CHARITY worker has defended himself after allegations were made that he was keeping the money he collected for himself.

Sarfaraz Shah, 75, of Stoke Poges Lane, is a regular sight outside his home near the Slough Central Mosque, where he collects donations from worshippers attending Friday prayers.

But one member of the Slough Central Mosque accused Mr Shah of keeping the money for himself.

The man, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “We’ve reported him to the council and the police, but they say they cannot do anything as he is sitting on his own private property.

“He is always there, with two charity boxes, but there is no proof that the money is being given to charity. We don’t know where the money is going.”

But on being questioned by the Observer, Mr Shah produced documents from Islamic Help, dating back several years, which confirmed the receipt of donations.

Mr Shah said: “The council know about this and have no problem, and the police have spoken to me and said I’ve done nothing wrong.

“The mosque is always after me, let them do what they want.”

“I have a very bad leg – I used to go door to door.

“I’m collecting for Syria, Palestine, and the Rohingya.

“I usually collect £35 a day, sometimes more – I usually send about £160 to Islamic Help each month. It’s completely voluntary, I don’t take a commission.”