A soap actress has won a television award for her portrayal of a controversial storyline based on the murder of a goth from Bacup.

Mollie Gallagher, who plays Nina Lucas in Coronation Street, has tonight won a National Television Award for a storyline which mirrored the murder of Sophie Lancaster.

In her speech, Mollie thanked Sophie’s mother Sylvia and the foundation which was set up in Sophie’s honour for their help and guidance in doing justice to the storyline.

She said: “The storyline has been an amazing storyline to tell.

“I think lots of awareness has been made and I am so grateful to be part of that.

“We worked closely with the Sophie Lancaster Foundation and Sylvia is the most inspiring woman.”

The actress won the best Serial Drama Performance award after the tragic storyline saw Nina and her boyfriend Seb Franklin attacked in a park for the way that Nina dressed.

In the show, Seb died from his injuries, with a court case ongoing against attacker Corey Brent for his murder.

In 2007, Sophie and her boyfriend Robert Maltby were walking through Stubbylee Park in the early hours of August 11.

The pair were attacked by a group because they were goths, with Sophie dying 13 days later in hospital from the injuries sustained in the attack.

Others who were up for the award this year were Billy Price, who plays Sid Summer in Hollyoaks, Sally Carman, as Abi Franklin in Coronation Street, Mollie, who plays Nina Lucas in Coronation Street, and Danny Dyer, as Mick Carter in EastEnders.