A RISING star from north Hampshire has beaten the likes of Cheryl Cole and Ellie Goulding to be crowned Best British Female at this year's Brit Awards.

Laura Marling, from Eversley, scooped the award at a star-studded event at London's O2 Arena on Wednesday night.

The 21-year-old, who attended Leighton Park School, in Reading, accepted the trophy from former Culture Club frontman Boy George.

Laura first gained success in the “Nu-Folk” wave that also brought fellow Brit winning band Mumford and Sons to the public eye.

She has toured with chart-toppers the Mystery Jets and Elbow while also appearing on TV show Later With Jools Holland.