A RYEDALE councillor has won a Community Champion Award for women change-makers

Cllr Dinah Keal, who lives in Norton, was recognised at the Award in Igniting Inspiration event created to recognise women making positive social change across Yorkshire.

Her category was created to celebrate an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to their community.

Cllr Keal, a member of Ryedale District Council and Norton Town Council, was nominated by her eldest daughter, Hannah.

Hannah said: “My mum truly embodies the phrase ‘be the change you want to see in the world’. She’s campaigned tirelessly to improve our local community for everyone in it, as a local councillor and activist.

“She first got involved in local politics when Norton, our community, was flooded. She led a successful campaign to get £10.3 million flood defences to protect local people.

"That was the event that led to her getting involved in local activism, nearly 20 years ago. All this has been done while raising three daughters, holding down a full-time job at the Alzheimers' Society and supporting her husband, who suffers from severe OCD.”

The judges’ comments included “truly marvellous” and “courageous”.

Igniting Inspiration is a unique initiative which celebrates women making a positive difference in business and society.

It is the brainchild of Inspiring Women Changemakers Founder, businesswoman, speaker and writer, Anj Handa.

She said:“Through my wide-reaching networks, I discovered so many positive stories that were going unheard, particularly within minority communities. And while there are numerous campaigns for women in business, there is no one campaign - online or offline - that regularly promotes the dedication of women change-makers.”