Three inspirational women were presented with awards today for their work in the borough.

The first Diamond Jubilee Enfield Women of Achievement Awards, set up by MP David Burrowes, went ahead at Enfield Civic Centre in Silver Street.

Although 15 women were nominated, Mr Burrowes, Councillor Anne-Marie Piece and Councillor Christiana During picked Ellena Sideri-Costa, Maggie Govender and Vijay Rattan as winners.

Ms Sideri-Costa set up St Marks Social Education Service, in Millais Road, 13 years ago and helps 52 people with autism and learning difficulties, 38 of whom live in Enfield.

She was nominated by Wendy Berry, whose son has used the service for nine years, and Doreen Willis, who works for Metaswitch Networks – a company which sponsors the service.

Ms Sideri-Costa, who was shocked when she was nominated, said: “I don’t know why I was nominated but I am very humbled by it. I think the parents deserve to get the awards as well as our students.”

Ms Berry said: “It is just something special. We are so lucky to have a centre of excellence in Enfield. Ellena took the risk and it paid off.”

Ms Govender, 66, was honoured for her work in promoting fitness in the borough, which sees her lead more than 25 fitness activities each week.

Vijay Rattan, head of Naree Shakti Asian women’s support group, in Palmers Green, won an award for championing the needs of Asian women in the borough.

Ms Rattan, who asked Mr Burrowes to launch the awards, said she is “very proud” to win.

Mr Burrowes said: “The year when we are celebrating the wonderful achievements of Her Majesty as a woman, it is also great to celebrate the achievement of Enfield women.”

Mr Burrowes added he would like to make the awards an annual event.