Late Doctor Who producer honoured

Verity Lambert produced the first two series of Doctor Who

Doctor Who's first producer, who died last month, has been honoured with a posthumous award by Women in Film and Television (WFTV).

Verity Lambert, the BBC's first female TV producer, had been due to pick up the lifetime achievement award but died on 22 November at the age of 71.

WFTV chair Sophie Balhetchet described Lambert as "a passionate professional, a mentor, an inspiration".

Author JK Rowling was among the other winners at WFTV's annual ceremony.

The Harry Potter creator picked up the script prize.

Elizabeth and Brick Lane producer Alison Owen, who is the mother of pop star Lily Allen, was recognised for making the most significant "contribution to the medium".

Julia Davis wrote and starred in BBC Three's dark comedy Nighty Night

Nighty Night creator Julia Davis scooped the creative originality award, while Rupert Murdoch's daughter Elisabeth, who is head of TV production company Shine, took the business award.

BBC foreign correspondent Lyse Doucet was named winner in the news and current affairs category.

"Women in Film and Television celebrates the achievements of these hugely talented women whose careers span the entire range of jobs in our industry," said Ms Balhetchet, herself a film and TV producer.

"Our sadness is that Verity Lambert, whom we honour with our lifetime achievement award, died a few days ago."

Lambert was "a truly exemplary woman in the work she produced and the life she lived", she added.

WFTV was set up 17 years ago to "protect and enhance the status, interests and diversity" of women working in film, TV and the digital media.