Multicultural honour for new comic

New comic Ria Lina has been named best comedian a the multicultural Emma Awards.

She said she was "proud and thrilled" to have won the award, for which she triumphed over fellow nominees Mark Thomas and Meera Syal.

Half-Filipino, half-German Lina- a trained actor currently studying for a PhD in viral bio-informatics. - mixes stand-up with comedy songs, played on the ukulele.

Before this award, her biggest triumph was winning the King of Kings award for new acts braving the Comedy Store's Gong Show.

The Kumars At Number 42 was named best entertainment show at the same ceremony, held at London's Grosvenor House Hotel, and Bend it Like Beckham was chosen as best film.

Published: 31 May 2003