Nafeesa Shan, 25, saw off competition from throughout the country to win the title at the GG2 Diversity and Leadership Awards held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Park Lane.

The awards, hosted by the Asian Media and Marketing Group, are in their 10th year and showcase ethnic minority achievement.

Nafeesa was presented her prize - a £500 cheque and a glass trophy - by Sarah Brown, wife of Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Nafeesa Shan, second right, after receiving her award from Sarah Brown, centre

She received the prize for a series of reports including an exclusive interview with Umar Shafiq of Burnley whose father was murdered trying to defend him from bullies, and her account of Blackburn terror probe arrests.

Organisers said: "In a string of exclusives, she has shown sensitivity, endeavour and enterprise and has had national papers following up her stories."

Said Nafeesa: "I was shaking when they read my name out as the winner. I was so surprised."

High-profile names at the awards included Karren Brady, managing director of Birmingham City Football Club, chef Ainsley Harriot and comedienne Meera Syal.

In total 11 awards were presented by blue chip companies and celebrities.

Other winners included Jayantibhai Chande KBE, who collected The Lifetime Achievement Award and Rita Sharma, the founder of Best at Travel who was named Entrepreneur of the Year.