GEMMA Briggs, aged 24 from Kendal, has been voted the best young motor sport journalist of 2004.

Gemma has worked for two years as deputy editor on technical publication Racecar Engineering and has recently taken up a similar role with the McLaren Formula One team's magazine Racing Line.

She is also a fully-qualified journalist, having graduated from London's City University with a First.

Gemma received her award, including a trophy and a cheque each for £1000, at the MSA's prestigious Night of Champions awards ceremony at the Royal Automobile Club on London's Pall Mall.