A woman has been given an award in BBC 1’s Songs of Praise singing showdown.

Karen Gibson, director of Bishop Stopford School’s gospel choir, in Brick Lane, Enfield, led her choir to victory in the Gospel Choir of the Year competition.

Having conducted gospel workshops and choirs for over 20 years, Karen took over Bishop Stopford’s gospel choir in May 2014, with her weekly singing workshops proving popular with students throughout the school.

Headteacher Paul Woods said: “Karen is one of the UK’s most respected gospel tutors, and we are delighted for her victory.

“Karen’s insight into gospel music has provided an expressive and unique extra-curricular activity for our students, which we look forward to progressing with in 2015.”