Here come the girls!

Hundreds of women from all quarters of the City gathered at the City Hotel to see Julie Byron, from Newbuildings, take the title of Woman of the Year 2010.

Julie is a paid worker and a volunteer within the youth service for 13 years, and was praised for the significant role she has played in planning and organising activities and projects for young people.

The Mayor, Paul Fleming, said Julie truly deserved the accolade for the important role she has played over the years working with young people.

"Julie Byron is an excellent role model. Since the age of 16 she has been actively involved in working with young people, helping them get involved in activities and projects. She has played a key role in encouraging cross community contact and to encourage young people to engage with young people from other communities and backgrounds.

"She is passionate about the work she does and is always available to offer advice and assistance to a young person in need. I am delighted to award Julie the Woman of the Year 2010 title and extend my heartfelt thanks to her for the commitment and dedication she has shown. She is a very deserving recipient and I am delighted to be here to make the presentation," he said.

He went on to pay tribute to all nominees acknowledging the important role each and everyone of them plays in the everyday."Women across this city continue to play a pivotal role in our society and the Women of the Year awards event is the perfect way of acknowledging the role of women in society," he said.

Joanna Boyd, Women's Officer with Derry City Council, who organised the event, said it was another great success.

"We received over 30 nominations for this year's event and the interest from the public has been phenomenal. With 12 categories every effort has been made to ensure that all possible opportunities for recognition have been identified. I would like to thank everyone and in particular Foyle Women's Information Network who helped make it such a success and extend my congratulations to everyone involved."

The winners were: Contribution to Women's Community Development, Nuala Crilly; Contribution to Community Relations, Margaret McGlinchey; Contribution to Sport or Dance, Kim Watson;

Young Women's Award, Stephanie Cooke; Contribution to Arts, Pauline Ross; Contribution to Caring, Mary Doherty;

Contribution to Formal/Informal Education, Tracy Healy; Contribution to the Older People, Eileen Doherty; Contribution to Youth, Julie Byron; Contribution to Childcare, Rose Doherty; Overall winner, Woman of the Year 2010, Julie Byron.

During the evening a raffle raised 630 for the breast cancer screening unit at Altnagelvin Hospital.

Click here to view our slideshow of the ceremony

And here for more pics from the Women of the Year Awards