IT was a golden night for Derbyshire musicians at the prestigious BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.

The county's folk stars, both established and up and coming, were already celebrating after a scoring a record number of nominations, and three went on to pick up trophies last night.

Lucy Ward, a 21-year old from Littleover, was a Young Folk Award Finalist in 2009 and found herself picking up the Horizon Award, which recognises the achievements of newcomers, for her blend of modern and traditional folk. Lady Maisery, a group featuring two Derbyshire performers, Hannah James and Rowan Rheingans, were nominated in the same category.

Nether Heage's John Tams, who has been involved musically in the success of the National Theatre's War Horse stage show, was recognised for his work with the band Home Service, whose Live 1986 album was released in 2011 following the discovery of a 25-year-old tape.

Home Service, who played at Derby Folk Festival last autumn were named Best Live Act, one of two awards for which they were nominated.

For the first time, the Best Original Song prize was given to two winners, with Derbyshire's Bella Hardy sharing the award for the song The Herring Girl with Steve Tilston's The Reckoning,

Sadly, Derby's Andy Cutting, who has twice previously picked up the Musician of the Year award, lost out on this occasion.

And Blair Dunlop, a 19-year-old singer, songwriter and guitarist from Derbyshire, was pipped to The Young Folk Award.

Celebrities who were on presenting duty on the night included singer-songwriter Ralph McTell, Billy Elliot playwright Lee Hall, Coronation Street's Kate Ford (Tracy Barlow), comedians Ed Byrne and Jeremy Hardy and BBC broadcasters Stuart Maconie and Paul Gambaccini. The show was hosted by Mike Harding.

Bob Shennan, controller, of Radio 2 and 6 Music said: "Folk music is enjoying a fantastic resurgence in popularity in the UK with a vibrant and varied scene."

Derbyshire folk promoter Mick Peat, commenting after the nominations were announced, said: "This is great news for the folk scene in Derbyshire. No other county has had as many nominations. That shows the strength and depth of the performers we have here in Derbyshire."