The Trust is the organisation which uses surplus funds from the London Marathon each year to protect local sports, leisure and recreation facilities.

The Trust was set up in 1981 by London Marathon founders Chris Brasher and John Disley "to raise money for the provision of recreation facilities in London".

It has allocated grants equal to more than £40.5 million to projects in areas of the country where the London Marathon stages events.

John Disley, chairman of the London Marathon Charitable Trust, said: "We are delighted that His Royal Highness has agreed to become Patron of the London Marathon Charitable Trust.

"The Prince's love of sport and commitment to young people's leisure and well-being is widely known.

"The Trust has been helping maintain and improve sport and leisure facilities for the people of London and further afield since it was founded 30 years ago.

"Prince Harry will be a fantastic patron for the charity and supporter of its aims as we move into our fourth decade."

This year the Trust has allocated grants totalling £5,365,352 from the surplus made by the 2010 Virgin London Marathon.

Last year half a million pounds was given to Hackney Council for the redevelopment scheme at Hackney Marshes.

It also works to save and preserve playing fields around London, six sets of playing fields have been saved so far and the Trust is committed to funding community legacy facilities from the London 2012 Olympics.

Prince Harry was recently presented with a "Golden Heart" award by the German charity Ein Herz für Kinder ("Heart for Children"), in recognition of his charitable and humanitarian work.

He is Patron of ten organisations, including a number of children's and humanitarian charities such as Sentebale, WellChild, the Henry van Straubenzee Memorial Fund, Dolen Cymru and MapAction.

The Prince has also worked with UNICEF and Halo Trust projects around the world and is Patron of Walking the Wounded and the Young Army Benevolent Fund Project.

A keen sportsman, who enjoys playing and watching sports such as rugby union and polo, he is vice-patron of the Rugby Football Union and Patron of the Rugby Football Injured Players Foundation.

Prince Harry and Prince William have established a Foundation to oversee their charitable patronages and interests.

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