AN ISLANDER has been hailed as a diversity role model and shortlisted for a national award.

Anne Axford, from Ryde, who chairs the Isle of Wight Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (IWASBAH), has been nominated in the positive role model category at this year's National Diversity Awards.

“It’s a real honour to have been nominated, and it’s a chance for the Isle of Wight to be in the spotlight as a place where diversity matters as much as anywhere else,” said Anne, who has been involved with charity for more than 35 years.

The awards will be held at the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral on September 20 and hosted by Sir Lenny Henry — a previous nominee for the celebrity of the year award.

He said, “To me, diversity means fairness and total inclusion, involving everybody without discrimination.

"That’s what the National Diversity Awards are all about.”

Anne — who has also been a trustee at Mountbatten and worked as a life, career and performance coach — heads up IW ASBAH’s 50th anniversary team this year. An anniversary conference will be held at Cowes Yacht Haven on June 25.

Don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.