SHE didn't win her category at the Asian Women of Achievement Awards but law graduate Shysta Habib was not one to let the opportunity for further challenges pass her by.

Shysta, 25, of Bankhouse Road, was pipped to the post for Young Achiever of the Year award but during the awards ceremony in London decided to make the most of the event.

She chatted to Prime Minister's wife Cherie Blair, who said she would be interested in Shysta taking part in a project she was linked to which helps women in Afghanistan.

Shysta works in the legal department of a local Personal Injury firm and and is currently working on a proposal to study for a PhD in Law at Manchester University.

She said, "It was a really great night and I'd love to do it again. Once I got there I realised that even to be nominated was a big achievement. The people I met were fascinating especially Cherie Blair.

"She is a very down to earth woman and we talked about Lincoln's Inn, which awarded me the scholarship to attend the Bar Vocational Course in Manchester, and her work.

"I talked to her about a project she is involved with, that I heard about after September 11, through which she works with Asian women in Afghanistan.

"I don't have the details yet but she asked me to write to her at Downing Street and she would take it from there. I have to include where I am living, what I am doing and that I am the Young Achiever of the Year nomination she spoke to. The project helps the poor women, many of whom have a lot of children, rebuild their lives."