The Beacon Fellowship yesterday announced the winners of its 2004 Beacon Prize, naming Sir Bob Geldof, Jamie Oliver and Sigrid Rausing among the top honours.

The Beacon Awards were launched in 2003 and aim to encourage individual contributions to charitable and social causes by celebrating and showcasing best practice in giving. All winners are invited to join the Beacon Fellowship, a group which meets annually to share skills and experiences of relevance to the sector.

There are 18 award winners for 2004 ranging from Brigadier Peter Stewart-Richardson, who was commended for his contribution to the needs of women and children in Afghanistan, to Dr Mohammed Amran for his work with young people and racial equality.

The overall winner, who will receive a cash prize of £20,000 to spend on a cause of their choice, is to be announced at the official award ceremony in early summer.

The full details of all winners can be found at www.beaconfellowship.org.uk