A WOMAN who grew up in the Lake District has won a top award in recognition of her inspirational work.

Caroline Shaw, chief executive of the Christie Hospital, has been named the North West's Most Inspiring Woman of the Year, in the public sector category of the competition.

Mrs Shaw, who was born and bred in Kendal, won the award for her exceptional leadership of the famous cancer hospital.

As one of the youngest female chief executives in the NHS, Mrs Shaw is responsible for a £130 million budget, 2,000 staff and the treatment and care of around 40,000 patients a year from across the North West.

For full story and picture, see the May 18 editon of The Westmorland Gazette.