A Marlow campaigner turned TV star has said she is ‘honoured’ to have been selected as a Woman of the Year in recognition of her contribution to society.

Multiple sclerosis ambassador, Trishna Bharadia, has been selected to join 400 others at the 60th anniversary Women of the Year lunch later this month in celebration of her work with various MS charities.

Ms Bharadia, who appeared on the People’s Strictly Come Dancing for Comic Relief, said she was ‘shocked’ when she learnt she had been named a Woman of the Year.

She said: “The judging panel and previous attendees are all such hugely inspiring women and I’m honoured to be considered one of them.

“I hope that this will help to further raise awareness about the impact that MS can have on day-to-day living, not just for the person who has it but also for their families, carers, friends and those around them like employers.

“It is through education that we will gain more understanding from the public about this degenerative and progressive neurological condition.”

Ms Bharadia was diagnosed with MS in 2008, and since then has worked closely with charities to raise awareness of the condition, particularly within the Asian community.

And in March she was named the Sue Ryder Volunteer of the Year and appeared BBC's People's Strictly, where she caught they eyes of the Women of the Year judges.

Jane Luca, Chair of Women of the Year said: “Attendees are specially selected by the Women of the Year nominating council as our Women of Achievement for their personal contribution to society.

“The Council put Trishna forward because she is an incredible ambassador, raising awareness of the cause and is a genuinely wonderful human being, and Women of the Year think so too.”

There will be a special award ceremony at the lunch on Monday, October 19, to celebrate exceptional women demonstrated by their courage, selflessness and dedication.