The life of a man who became world leader of Rotary International will be celebrated at an anniversary dinner tonight.

The annual Tom Warren Dinner in Wolverhampton marks 65 years since Mr Warren became president of the global organisation for 1945-46.

Mr Warren was Wolverhampton’s Director of Education for 25 years until he retired in 1945. He died in 1969.

As president of Rotary International he had a reputation as a great mediator and was a tireless campaigner for world peace both during and after the Second World War. While the war was still raging in 1941, Tom Warren made one of the most celebrated speeches in Rotary history.

In a legendary broadcast to the Rotary Convention in America from an underground BBC studio he declared: “Tyrants thrive on the complacency of decent folk. Our Rotary must no longer be complacent.

“We can be an ever-growing power in the world. Our principles are right. By following them, regardless of cost, we shall endure.”

The following year he spoke against “the oceans of blood and tears” being spilled and declared: “We must have done with this accursed thing they call war.”

In the 105-year history of Rotary International only five Britons have become world president. Mr Warren was the second.

The fifth, John Kenny, who stood down last month is to be guest speaker at tonight’s dinner, being held at Linden House on Tettenhall Road. Other speakers include Express & Star columnist Peter Rhodes.

The annual Tom Warren Dinner was inaugurated five years ago.