Rita Patel, who for more than 25 years has been at the centre of community relations in Leicester has been credited for her work with the much coveted 2005/6 Beacon Prize.

The dynamic force behind the multi-million pound Peepul Centre, which sits at the heart of Leicester's multi-cultural community relations drive, Rita has gained recognition for her commitment to social inclusion and the advancement of Asian women in Leicester through community support, leisure services, education and training.

Rita Patel is one of just 16 recipients of the 2005/6 Prize, who were chosen for their exceptional philanthropic contribution through the giving of their time, money and skills in order to benefit specific charitable causes - all of whom join the ranks of previous winners such as Sir Bob Geldof, Jamie Oliver and environmentalist, Zac Goldsmith who have each been recognised for their charitable work through what has become known as the 'Nobel Prize of the charity world', first coined by Chancellor Gordon Brown.

Chair of the Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust, Martyn Lewis notes: "Rita Patel has challenged the barriers that prevent communities coming together through a radical and determined approach, striving for social and urban renewal, supporting and encouraging marginalised groups to participate in social change and profiling the best the Black and Asian community in Leicester has to offer.  Rita is a tenacious and determined woman who wholly believes in the richness of social diversity and social inclusion and stands as a model to other community leaders in challenging exclusion and prejudice".

Among the additional winners of this year's Beacon Prize are Paul and Diana Lamplugh who are recognised for their work through the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, created after the disappearence of their daughter in 1986, working to establish a greater awareness of personal safety whilst addressing the issues of violence and agression in society at large; John Bird, founder of The Big Issue and Leah Pattison, the 'Angel of Nagpur'whose life has been devoted to working with lepers in central India.

The Prize Ceremony will take place in November 2006 when the winners will be inaugurated as Beacon Fellows, a community of Beacon Prize winners who together, champion charitable causes across the globe and nurture a wider culture of giving in the UK.  The ceremony will also see the overall Beacon Prize winner announced, receiving £30,000 to donate the charitable cause of their choice. 

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For further information on the Beacon Prize, winners' biographies and photos of the 2005/6 award recipients or on The Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust contact Victoria Walsh on 020 7861 8568 or email vwalsh@bell-pottinger.co.uk or Fintan Nicholls on 0207 203 8295 or email fintan.nicholls@beaconfellowship.org.uk