TWO North Yorkshire women have been given awards at a prestigious event.

The Sue Ryder Yorkshire Women of Achievement awards saw Selby author Christina Gabbitas and York water safety campaigner Jackie Roberts both take home awards.

Christina Gabbitas is a children's author and poet from Selby who has also been nominated for the Forsythe Prize for her book Share Some Secrets, which encourages children to learn more about good and troublesome secrets, and speak up about their problems.

After accepting the Education award at the Leeds ceremony, she said: "It means so much to me, safeguarding our young vulnerable children is a very important topic that has been brushed aside for many years. We need to help educate our children as much as we possibly can, to help protect and allow them to have a normal childhood.

"I was shocked and amazed that I was chosen above some very inspiring women in education. It means so much to be recognised. I really love encouraging children to read and write and educating them about the world around them. I feel very honoured. Sue Ryder was amazing humanitarian, who we could all learn something from her selfless work."

Jackie Roberts won the Jane Tomlinson Courage Award for her work with the Royal Life Saving Society after the death of her daughter Megan in the River Ouse two years ago.

She said: "Being nominated was an honour in itself but to actually win the award on the day was just incredible. It was very emotional, I had no idea what to say and can't exactly remember what I did say in the way of an acceptance speech.

"Mike Tomlinson was there, which added further poignancy to receiving the award in Jane's name. I think Megan would be very proud of her mum, as I am proud of her and how she's touched so many hearts."