A LAW graduate from Nelson has been selected as one of the finalists in the Asian Women of Achievement Awards -- at the age of jus 25.

Shysta Habib, of Bankhouse Road, has won several prizes during her studies at Staffordshire University and is currently working on a proposal to study for a PhD in Law at Manchester University.

Her qualifications and achievements impressed the judges, Tom Shebbeare, chief executive of The Prince's Trust, and Rumi Verjee, chairman of Thomas Goode & Co, and she was selected as one of six finalists in the Young Achiever of the Year Award.

Shysta, who works in the legal department of a local Personal Injury firm, will travel to the London Hilton on Thursday, May 16, for the awards ceremony.

It will be hosted by comedienne and actress Nina Wadia, best known for her performances in hit comedy show Goodness Gracious Me.

She said: "It's tough competition but I have got this far and I keep thinking I want that award now, but may the best person win.

"When I was interviewed I had to give them a 15 minutes presentation on myself and what I had done. I also sent all my qualifications. I was nominated by Bernard Moss, who is a senior principal lecturer in social studies at Staffordshire University.

I have got to this stage I have given it my best shot so it just depends on the judges now. I couldn't believe the people I was competing with because they were university lecturers and there were people jetting off on conferences abroad.

"My mum and dad worked hard in getting me where I am now and they are really proud of me. I told them in my interview that my mum was my role model."

Shystain Law course at Staffordshire University, Shysta received the 'Mentor of the Year' award. She then went on to win the 'Michael Tester Undergraduate Money Prize' while studying at the same university.

Following her graduation in 2000, Shysta was awarded the Sir Thomas Moore

Scholarship by Lincoln's Inn to attend the Bar Vocational Course at

Manchester Metropolitan University. Currently working in the legal department of The Accident Group, Shysta works closely with NIG and the

Bank of Scotland in activating Accident Management Insurance policies.

Now in their third year, these prestigious Awards acknowledge the immense accomplishments of unsung heroines within the Asian community. The Awards not only celebrate the dedication and determination of Asian women today, but also provide role models that inspire and motivate future generations. Young Achiever of the Year Award. The Award is given to a woman under the age of 30 in March 2002 who has achieved something incredible and inspirational. Founded in 1999, the Awards were the brainchild of Pinky Lilani, a successful businesswoman and author. "At the heart of these awards are some extraordinary women, who have set themselves apart with their strong sense of purpose and commitment, often in the face of insurmountable obstacles", says Pinky, Chairman of the Asian Women of Achievement Awards."These Awards are also part of a bigger conversation - they are about people willing to cross boundaries, integrating their history and culture into another society."