THREE Suffolk women have been named among the region's most inspirational people in the 2007 Inspiration East awards. Diana Barnard of Barnard Catering in Felixstowe, Jackie Stoneman of Select Recruitment in Ipswich and Zoe Compton from P-tek Development Solutions in Ipswich were winners in the awards which celebrate the work of men and women who inspire others to succeed.

THREE Suffolk women have been named among the region's most inspirational people in the 2007 Inspiration East awards.

Diana Barnard of Barnard Catering in Felixstowe, Jackie Stoneman of Select Recruitment in Ipswich and Zoe Compton from P-tek Development Solutions in Ipswich were winners in the awards which celebrate the work of men and women who inspire others to succeed.

Fidel Cantantan, managing director of Colchester-based Jamesons Residential Care Home, was also picked up an award.

The Inspiration East awards were established five years ago and organised by LB Group, chartered accountants and business advisers. Stuart Galbraith, the music presenter behind the 2005 Live 8 concert in Hyde Park, presented the awards at a dinner yesterday evening in Chelmsford.

Diana Barnard was recognised for her commitment as Chair of Felixstowe-based group The Friends of St Felix which raised £20,000 in just six months to save St Felix Home for the Blind from closure.

Jackie Stoneman, managing director of successful recruitment consultancy Select Recruitment and Key Personnel, was nominated for her dedication to staff training which has contributed to excellent levels of employee retention at her offices in Suffolk, Essex and Poland.

Zoe Compton was nominated by her boss at training firm P-tek Development Solutions for her “can-do” attitude to customer care, while Fidel Cantantan, managing director of Jamesons, was recognised for his strong work ethic and “hands on “ approach to caring which saw him helping out with shopping and cleaning despite his senior position.

Director of LB Group Trevor Lake said the awards sought to honour people who have gone the extra mile to help others succeed and strive to reach their full potential.

“Choosing those to be honoured was not an easy task this year,” said Mr Lake.

“The competition was very tough and so the people that we have selected are all absolutely outstanding in their own way.

“These people make a huge different to those around them. Inspiration East is a way to say 'thank you' to those special individuals.”

The three other winners in this year's awards were Kathy Mason from Dagenham, a single parent who has spear-headed initiatives in racial harmony and championed the cause of overlooked members of society; Margaret White from Ilford, an inspirational manager and career mentor; and Eric Shelley, a Princes Trust Business Adviser based in Norfolk.