Northern Irish show Blue Lights wins Bafta for best drama

The Belfast-based crime drama Blue Lights picked up a BAFTA for Best Drama Series at the event's awards ceremony in London last night.

The show, which follows young police officers uncovering crimes in a post-conflict Northern Ireland, beat competition from Sherwood, Supacell and Wolf Hall: The Mirror And The Light.

"Thanks to our amazing cast and crew... We've been on quite a journey together through this season. It's been pretty extraordinary," said Blue Lights' co-creator and co-writer Declan Lawn, "Belfast, this one's for you."

The series, whose stars include Sian Brooke, Martin McCann, Katherine Devlin and Nathan Braniff, is currently filming its third installment.

"I want to thank Northern Irish Screen for supporting us at home and BBC studios for supporting us around the world" said the show's other co-creator Stephen Wright.

According to a BBC report, Blue Lights has produced an estimated £20m for the economy in Northern Ireland through its first two seasons.

Other winners on the night included Mr Bates vs the Post Office in the Limited Drama category, Shõgun in the Best International Drama award, Marisa Abela as Best Actress for her role in Industry, while Lennie James received a Best Actor award for Mr Loverman.