An alliance of organisations and individuals is calling for the institution of an annual Windrush Day on 22 June, as an opportunity to give thanks for the positive contributions made by black, Asian and other minority communities to this nation.

The Empire Windrush carried the first large group of West Indian immigrants to the UK after the Second World War on 22 June 1948, and marked a 'step change in the presence, participation and contribution of immigrants to Britain,' said the Revd Sivakumar Rajagopalan, regional minister with the London Baptist Association and one of the key drivers of the campaign.

'Many aspects of British society would be unrecognisable without the contribution which immigration has made to our society,' he said. 'It was fitting that the Windrush's arrival was featured in Danny Boyle's Olympic opening ceremony last year.

'However there is no nationwide affirmation and celebration of the enormous contribution that immigrants have made to Britain for many centuries, particularly since 1948.

'An annual Windrush Day, is a chance to reject prejudice and intolerance, and to shape a fair and inclusive future that we all want to share.'

Mr Rajagopalan first had the idea around 18 months ago, and through his research discovered Patrick Vernon, founder of 100 Great Black Britons, who had the same idea. The pair met in March.

On Saturday an online petition was launched at a service at Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church on Saturday marking the 65th anniversary of the Windrush's arrival. The petition invites people to join calls to celebrate Windrush Day every year.

A letter was published in The Times on Friday, indicating the wide support for the idea. Signatories included Mr Rajagopalan, Sam King MBE, a Windrush passenger who spoke at Bloomsbury on Saturday, Doreen Lawrence, author Zadie Smith, Malorie Blackman (Children's Laureate) and a host of MPs.

The campaign also has the support of the Windrush Foundation and British Futures, the new independent think-tank that focuses on identity, i

ntegration and migration.

While people are encouraged to celebrate Windrush Day every year, the long-term aim is for the day to be instituted by the Government, and perhaps become a public holiday, in the same way Martin Luther King Jr Day is in the US.

'Windrush Day will happen,  Local bodies can and will do their own thing,' said Mr Rajagopalan. But it will be great to be recognised by the Government.'