THE HEAD of an organisation promoting diversity within the community has been included in a national newspaper’s rundown of people improving Britain.

Jane Basham, chief executive of the Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality, has been placed on the Independent on Sunday’s annual Happy List.

Described by the publication as a rundown of 100 people who “do most to make Britain a better place”, it also includes singer Annie Lennox, comedian Michael McIntyre and Miriam Clegg, wife of Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.

According to the newspaper yesterday, Ms Basham is said to have “a tiny budget, a large heart and tireless energy”.

Despite her evident dedication to the community in Ipswich, the campaigner did not expect to see her name in the Happy List.

She said: “It’s a bit of a surprise but obviously a lovely list to be part of. The thing that is really good about this is the recognition it gives to everyone who works hard at ISCRE.

“We are not a big organisation but everyone involved is dedicated to promoting a community that celebrates differences and embraces similarities.”

Ms Basham also believes that while inclusion in the list is a huge compliment to her, it is also beneficial to ISCRE as a whole.

“For the organisation to be mentioned in a national newspaper is good news for us,” she said.

“It gets our name and the work we are doing out there.”

She added: “I suppose I am a happy person but I really believe in the work we are doing and I think it is important in Ipswich.”

So, when it comes to being happy one would presume Ms Basham is in a good position to give advice on staying positive.

She said: “Look for the good in things, I think that’s what I do.”