AN inspirational mother who overcame prejudice to turn her dream into reality was honoured at a star-studded awards ceremony in London.

Saima Zeb, of Cedar Court, Blackburn, won the Shaw Trust Individual Achievement award after she achieved her dream of becoming a teacher.

With the help of the trust the determined 28-year-old collected a a clutch of qualifications over seven years while bringing up three children, Khizran Zeb, 7, Zul-Norain Zeb, 5 and Tillal, 2.

She said: "I've achieved everything I set out to do, and now to be recognised for what I've done is the icing on the cake."

And it was through The Shaw Trust that Saima started teaching IT at the Pendle Women's Forum, Nelson.

Saima said: "I think the women see me as a role model because many are looking for a way to break out of their lives and find confidence and achieve more."

"A lot of women in my culture are content to concentrate on husband and children, but I knew I wanted more than just a family. I needed to make my dreams come true and I've done that with the support of Shaw Trust and my husband and parents."

Trust development officer Liz Bradley, who nominated Saima, said: "I am very proud of her. Every single one of the people we work with is remarkable, and their achievements are truly inspirational.

Ian Charlesworth, chief executive of the Trust, which provides work and training opportunities for disadvantaged people, said: "Motivational stories like Saima's are examples of the superb work done every day by Shaw Trust.

"They are milestones on the way to the future we want to build; one without prejudice, or barriers."

Sporting legend Colin Jackson handed Saima the Individual Achievement award at national employment charity Shaw Trust's prestigious STAR awards at the Caf Royal in London.

The 39-year-old sporting legend said: "I've negotiated a fair few hurdles in my career, but they're dwarfed by the challenges some of these people face."