A music lecturer scooped a top award at a national ceremony celebrating the nation's best higher education teachers.

Sally MacGregor, 41, an A-level lecturer at Runshaw College, Langdale Road, Leyland, was named joint winner of Further Education Tutor of the Year at the Star Awards, London, for her outstanding contribution to education.

Miss MacGregor was nominated for the award by vice-principal John Morrison for having overseen a massive development of the college's music department.

In 1995 when she arrived, as head of the music department, it barely had a dozen students but today it boasts almost 200 and, according to oficials of the Star Awards, is now one of the largest and most advanced in the country.

Under Miss MacGregor, an orchestra, swing band, ensembles and a chamber choir were set up and former pupil, Jessica Taylor, went on to achieve stardom with Liberty X.

Miss MacGregor, who lives in Eccleston, near Leyland, said it was her passion for teaching music that had helped her win the award. She said: "I'm honoured the college nominated me, and it's a real morale boost to win.

"The award will really raise awareness in the region about all the fantastic work the college is doing - it's a credit to both the team and the learners themselves, we are all in this together.

"Even though we are now a big department it's important not to lose sight of the individuals and we always push for students to reach high standards."

She added that she would be giving a share of her £2,000 prize to her sister, Bridget, who has just been diagnosed with epilepsy.