Sheila Hancock was thrilled to bits to be presented with a lifetime achievement award at the Women in Film and TV Awards today, Friday 3 December. However, she told the select audience that she thought she "was not the sort of person who wins prizes".

The actress, now 77, gained TV fame in the TV sitcom The Rag Trade 50 years ago.

MS Hancock told the audience: "I remember being at the Bafta awards once and I was nominated and I didn't win the bloody thing and Thora Hird came up to me and said: 'Don't worry love, just hang on until you're 70.' Maybe that's what's happened."

Her memoirs about her marriage to Inspector Morse star John Thaw was a huge success. He was one of the "two mad, bad, dangerous-to-know men", she had been married to - not especially good for her two daughters she said, particularly in combination with her career. Nevertheless, she paid tribute to her daughters, saying they had turned out to be "wonderful women" and she also commended other successful women in the broadcasting industry.

Julie Walters who hosted the ceremony was delighted that Ms Hancock had received the award, which she said was "well deserved".

Ms Walters said: "I am thrilled she is getting it. It is not before time."