BIRMINGHAM'S daily afternoon drama Doctors has beaten off competition from the big boys to win three major prizes at the British Soap Awards.
The low budget series won the best single episode prize.
Actress Anita Carey was judged to have given the best dramatic performance, while her character Vivien March's rape plot was declared the best single storyline.
The scoop of awards is great news for the city according to Film Birmingham, which supports and develops the city's film and TV industry..
Manager Matthew Stanton said: "The success of this Birmingham-made series is testament to the talent and hard work of everyone behind the series at the city's Drama Village.
"It's great that such a popular and successful series is made here in Birmingham and that television drama produced in the city can compete with the best of that made in London." Doctors has been recommisioned for a further three years and will continue to be made in the city.
Anita Carey said to win the three awards is absolutely thrilling: "It is fantastically satisfying for everyone on Doctors to win these awards, and I'm especially flattered to have won.
I'm delighted."
Actor Will Trotter added: "To win three awards in one year at the Soap Awards - all voted for by a panel of experts that are acknowledged in the industry - is unprecedented for Doctors and is just amazing." Liam Keelan, Controller of BBC One Daytime, said: "These three awards for Doctors reinforces that BBC One Daytime is committed to making quality drama that isn't afraid of tackling strong issues in a responsible way." EastEnders won seven prizes, including one for best soap for the second year running, and Coronation Street won six.