|PIC1|It was a celebration of home grown talent on Saturday night as Victizzle, Muyiwa and Blush UK were honoured at the UK's first ever Gospel Music Awards.

Muyiwa was the big winner on the night, walking away with Best Gospel Radio Show and Best Contribution to Gospel Music.

Best Newcomer went to Victizzle, capping an impressive year for the grime artist, who picked up a MOBO award earlier in the year.

Blush UK picked up Best Group/Choir, while Michaela the Poet was awarded Best Female.

The awards were held at the Hilton London Metropole on Saturday night and went to the artists with the most votes from the public. Artists Rachel Kerr, Victizzle, GP, Commission, Desire To Worship God and Simply Andy got the crowd going with live performances.

Other performances came from gospel youth group Commission, Jayess featuring and a comedy sketch from Simply Andy.

The awards were put together by The Father's House International Church and gospel concert organisers Taste of Paradise to raise the profile of Britain's gospel talent.

They hope the event will become a permanent fixture on the UK's Christian events calendar.

Reverend Rex Chosen, founder and senior pastor of the Father's House International Church said the awards were "a testament to the spirit of excellence and the tremendous gifts within the body of Christ".

"It is my hope that one day, as we draw more support from organisations and corporate institutions both within and outside the body of Christ, that this event will become the envy of the world," he said.

"And in the very words of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, we will be the city on the hilltop that cannot be hidden as our light shine so brightly radiating the glory of God in these challenging times."