Sir John Major has today formally launched the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust to help those in need across the Commonwealth.

The former prime minister will chair the grant-making body, which will focus on areas such as fighting curable diseases and the promotion of education and culture.

The organisation has been established to provide a lasting legacy to mark the Queen's 60 years on the throne.

Sir John said: 'The purpose of the Trust is to raise funds throughout the Commonwealth, and then work with strategic partners to identify charitable projects that will enrich the lives and opportunities of all its citizens – across generations and geographical boundaries – in order to provide a lasting legacy for Her Majesty the Queen.

'It is our hope that individuals, organisations and countries will all wish to contribute to the trust, as a tangible and enduring way of honouring Her Majesty the Queen, and to demonstrate the enormous respect and affection in which she is held, not only within the Commonwealth family, but also the wider world.' The creation of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust was announced by David Cameron at the Commonwealth heads of government meeting, in Australia last October.

Commonwealth secretary-general Kamalesh Sharma, a member of the trust's board of trustees, said: 'The trust is an opportunity for Commonwealth citizens everywhere both to contribute and to be associated with initiatives that will ensure Her Majesty's commitment and service are celebrated in ways that are to the enduring benefit of our global Commonwealth family.'