I have created a design which displays a select number of posts. Ideally I would like to create it so in the backend the user can select which posts they would like to feature.

The featured posts would then display within 3 different columns.

Please see the mocked up homepage below so you get an idea of what I mean.

http://bit.ly/axoqw9

Ive tried a variety of different methods so far to create the exact functionality I need but ive still not found the correct solution. Ive managed it to get it displaying the first 2 posts from a set category but I would like it so the user can choose exactly which posts to display and which posts to not.

The post should display a thumbnail image, then the excerpt followed by a read more link.

Any help you can provide with this would be amazing!

Thanks

I would think a combination of new widget areas (ATO<Add New Widget Areas) and a featured posts plugin (you would have to seach wordpress.org and test) might be what you are looking for.