The tenth annual Classical BRIT Awards has honoured talented English trumpet soloist Alison Balsom as the 2009 Female Artist of the Year.

Receiving the award from British ballerina Darcey Bussell, Alison proudly said: "This award means so much to me, thank you!"

Three years ago, 30-year-old Alison, from Hertfordshire, won the BRIT Award for Young British Classical Performer and her current album Haydn and Hummel Trumpet Concertos has brought her yet more acclaim.

As the principal trumpet of the London Chamber Orchestra and having been named as a BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist, there is undoubtedly much more to come from Alison Balsom.