SUE White from British Gas in Southampton has won a national award for helping to raise awareness of cancer and to build a better future for sufferers in the south.

The award was presented by TV presenter Gaby Roslin to recognise the contribution of Centrica's workers to Cancer Research UK, the employees' charity of the year.

The awards provide Centrica and Cancer Research UK with the opportunity to thank employees for all their hard work.

Breast cancer survivor Sue, who is one of 1,500 British Gas staff in Southampton, said: "I was absolutely thrilled to receive this award.

"Nationally, we have now raised over £650,000; £15,000 of that has been raised by staff in the Southampton office, so we have achieved far more than we ever thought possible. These funds will really help people with cancer in the south."

Her citation read: "Sue has been truly inspirational in her commitment to the charity partnership. She is a survivor of breast cancer and has willingly talked openly to many audiences, including workplace counsellors and the media.

"She truly inspired everyone at the employee launch of the partnership with Cancer Research UK with her experiences and gave everyone an understanding of what a cancer sufferer goes through.

"The Southern Daily Echo and Southampton Advertiser have both featured Sue and her own 'race for life'."