Solicitor Eva Akins was today celebrating after being crowned one of Cosmopolitan magazine's Women of Achievement.

The 25-year-old from Leigh won the professions category of the award after the competition judges heard of her incredible determination to succeed.

She picked up a prize of £500 after the panel were told how Eva, who works for Jefferies in Basildon, trained for her career in the face of adversity.

They heard how she was the fourth of five children in a troubled family, was expelled from secondary school three times and became pregnant at 16.

She also overcame domestic violence and lived in a women's refuge while studying for her law degree which she gained with first class honours.

Miss Akins said: "It is wonderful to know that my hard work has been recognised. It makes it all worth it."

Arts charity director Jo Verrant from West Yorkshire, who lost her hearing as a teenager, won the top honour for her work helping disabled people get jobs in the arts. She won £5,000.

Women of Achievement - £5,000 winner Jo Verrant opens the champagne while Eva Akins, on Jo's left, and other winners cheer their success in the Cosmopolitan competition

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