Aherne crowned comedy queen

She also recieved the writing award at the North West Comedy Awards, shared with her Royle Family co-creators Craig Cash and Phil Mealey .

At the event in Manchester, Aherne said: ' Les Dawson was one of my heroes. It's lovely to be back here to see all my old mates. I have been out of showbusiness now for a few years but it's lovely to be back.'

Les Dawson's widow Tracey added: 'Les would have been delighted - he was a big fan of Mrs Merton.'

Aherne has been something of a reculse in recent years after battling depression, but turned out last night alongside such comedy stars as Johnny Vegas and Dave Spikey.

The other winners were:

Best Stand Up on the North West Comedy Circuit: Jason Manford

Best Breakthrough Act: Sarah Millican

Best Comedic Performance in Film and TV: David Threlfall for Shameless

Best Radio Comedy: Chris Addison and Carl Cooper for Civilization

Best Comedy Writing for Film and Television: Caroline Aherne, Craig Cash and Phil Mealey for The Royle Family

Best North West Comedy Club: Frog and Bucket

Best Comedic Performance in a Soap: Antony Cotton, who plays Sean Tully in Coronation Street

Les Dawson Award for Services to North West Comedy: Caroline Aherne

Published: 26 Jan 2007