The City of Durham MP has been crowned the winner of the Newcomer MP of the Year award last night in a celebration of her hard work for her community.

Mary Kelly Foy was "honoured" to receive the award and recognised how many other excellent nominations had been made.

She thanked those who nominated her and described how she still could not believe she had won it.

Her hard work in Durham supporting marginalised groups and young people had been recognised by the judging panel.

The MP thanked her "incredible team" for all their support.

(Image: Mary Kelly Foy) Mary Kelly Foy said: "Last night, I was honoured to be crowned Newcomer MP of the Year.

"This was hugely humbling after hearing how many nominations there’d been and I’m so grateful to those who took time to nominate me - I honestly can’t believe it.

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"After a difficult year for me personally it was a huge boost to realise that the community-focused work I do in Durham, particularly around marginalised groups, young people, and inequalities, was recognised by UK Patchwork and the judging panel.

"I still feel like I’m dreaming!

"A big thanks to my incredible team without who I just couldn’t function."