THE Sophie Lancaster Foundation has taken top prize at a hate crime ceremony.

The organisation, set up after the horrific murder of the 20-year-old, won The Upstanding Organisation Award at the second No2H8 Awards Ceremony took place in the Churchill Regency Hotel in London.

The award was picked up by Sophie’s mum Sylvia and Kate Conboy, Partnership and Development Manager and presented by TV host Adrian Chiles.

The prestigious prize was “awarded to an organisation, which has made a significant impact on countering intolerance, hate and bigotry” according to the No2Hate Awards website.

The standing ovation and applause in the packed room was an emotional tribute to Sylvia’s promised legacy for Sophie through her work.

Sylvia said: “To receive this accolade in the 10th anniversary of Sophie’s death, from people who dedicate their professional lives to challenging hate, is validation of all the hard work we have been doing since 2007.”

There was an extra award or Sylvia who was also runner up for the Jo Cox Memorial Award.

Sylvia said: "It was a pleasure and a privilege to be with so many dedicated advocates and practitioners, voluntary and professional from the field of hate crime education and victim support.

"The Foundation is recognised as a leading organisation in hate crime education and training throughout the UK. The impact of the deeply personal story of Sophie's hate motivated murder stays with people who hear it - changing mindsets and attitudes.

"As we mark National Hate Crime Awareness Week with a full week of work delivering the message that we should celebrate, not fear difference we are proud of how much we have achieved in Sophie's memory."

Sophie was murdered after an unprovoked attack on her and boyfriend Robert Maltby in Stubbylee Park in Bacup on August 11, 2007.