ALREADY an award winning TV director, Paul Riordan was named winner of the Imperial Arts Award.

The 35-year-old has worked on the hit show Hollyoaks for several years which won the Best Soap Awards in 2014.

He followed former winner Carley Stenson in the category.

He said: “It’s lovely being at the awards to hear so many courageous stories.

“I just go to work.

“It’s also lovely seeing Carley here who seems to be going from strength to strength.

“When my wife told me I’d been nominated and I was in the top three I was thrilled.

“I love this town and it’s great that there are events such as this.

“I work all over the country but really I am such a home bird.

“I am very proud of this town.

“Listening to some of these stories brought a tear to my eye.

“There are a lot of courageous people in this town who deserve these awards.

“I’m just really proud.” Ian Pitts owner of the Imperial said that he been in the same class as Paul at school.

He said: “I am very glad to be associated with this award and Paul is a worthy winner.”