An actress from Kent has won a television BAFTA.

Jessica Hynes, who lives in Folkestone, was commended at last night's glamorous ceremony for her performance in There She Goes.

She was awarded best female performance in a comedy programme for her role in the BBC Four programme.

She was up against Daisy May Cooper for her role in This Country on BBC Three, Julia Davis in Sally4Ever on Sky Atlantic and Lesley Manville in Mum on BBC Two.

The comedy drama is centred around the day-to-day life of a family looking after their severely learning disabled nine-year-old girl, Rosie.

The winner lived up to her new accolade, joking in her acceptance speech that she had not even seen the work of her rivals: "Just sitting there watching all of those incredible programmes makes me realise that we really... really... should get a telly."

She continued: "BAFTA - thank you. Because you're not all about these (awards). You do so much for so many people so thank you.

"David Tennant - I don't know if you've heard of him, he's really - you know - coming through... He's a phenomenal actor and a kind and brilliant person to work with."

She also thanked other cast members.

The actress made headlines earlier this year after she wrote and directed the film, The Fight, starring funny man Russell Brand.

It was filmed almost entirely in the seaside town and featured landmarks such as the Harbour Arm, Folkestone Coastal Park and The Warren.

The production contributed an estimated £5,000 to the Kent economy, for four days of filming.

The Fight was Hynes' directional debut, and features as Tina, a mother of three who is dealing with a hectic lifestyle despite living in a quiet seaside town.

Her mother is threatening to leave her father, her daughter is being bullied and she and her husband Mick are juggling full time jobs and three children.

With the re-appearance of a former school rival, Tina steps into the boxing ring and discovers how to fight for herself.

Hynes said at the time that it is very much a local film: "During pre-production and filming I was constantly struck by the generosity and spirit of everyone I encountered.

"I visited Pelham care home many times before we filmed there in order that when we finally did we could get as much material as we could and cause as little disruption as possible.

"Folkestone Academy invited me to do a workshop there and all the school children in the film apart from Liv Hill and SenniaNanua are from the academy.

"In every sense this is a local film, inspired by the town and to a great extent made possible by the generosity and enthusiasm of its people."

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