Dawn Newsome is among a group of people receiving the Leeds Award launched to honour people who have made an outstanding contribution to the city.

It was launched by the council last October as a way of recognising those people whose work and service is a credit to Leeds and its residents.

Primarily aimed at people not involved in politics, the public were invited to make nominations and the council has now approved the names of six people who are to be be given the honour.

Along with Sir Jimmy Saviile – who is being honoured for his services to charity – the other recipients include fitness instructor Kim Milner, whose work through the Pudsey Active Life Group has improved the health and lives of people aged over 50.

They will receive their awards in September at the Civic Hall.

The Leeds Award is designed to complement the Freeman of the City, a title which in recent years has been bestowed on Nelson Mandela, cancer fundraiser Jane Tomlinson, writer Alan Bennett and Leeds International Piano Competition founder Dame Fanny Waterman.

The awards were devised by former council leader Coun Mark Harris (Lib Dem, Moortown). He said: "We have found a prestigious way of honouring citizens of Leeds who go the extra mile for their community and our city."