There were five very worthy winners (Picture: PA)

Lorraine Kelly and Line of Duty actress Vicky McClure were amongst the stars celebrating inspirational women at the 2022 Women of the Year Awards.

The ceremony was held Caption at the Royal Lancaster London hotel in the capital, championing women from all walks of life.

As always, at the 68th Woman of the Year awards, each guest was nominated by a member of the Women of the Year Council in recognition of their personal achievements or inspiration.

The annual bash was hosted by TV presenter and former Bake Off host Mel Giedroyc, while daytime star Lorraine, Vicky, and Clare Balding handed out awards to those who have achieved extraordinary things over the last year. 

Lorraine, 62, wore a beaming smile as she stepped out for photos at the event, wearing a super trendy denim jumpsuit with a zip down the front.

Meanwhile, This is England star Vicky, 39, donned a vibrant printed dress.

Lorraine was all smiles as she posed wearing a trendy denim jumpsuit (Picture: PA)

Line of Duty actress presented an award, joining in the celebrations of inspirational women (Picture: PA)

Host Mel Giedroyc and Clare Balding shared a sweet moment (Picture: Getty)

Other famous faces in attendance included Vanessa Feltz, Anneka Rice, Thomasina Miers, Sian Williams, and Kathy Lette.

Speaking of the importance of the event, ITV favourite Lorraine – who has been attending the Women of the Year Awards for the past 20 years – said it gives her ‘hope’ and ‘optimism,’ which we need ‘now more than ever.’

‘We need optimism, we need to have things to aspire to. I think that is really important. And that’s why this event is so good,’ she told Virgin Radio.

On the impact the recipients have on her, Lorraine – who handed out the trailblazer award – added: ‘You do go away from here, thinking I’ve got to do more, because you’re so inspired by everything around you, and all the different projects that are happening. All of these women that are doing remarkable things, and more than ever before, I think we need that. It’s truly inspiring.’

The sports broadcaster said it’s ‘massively important’ to recognise women’s achievements (Picture: PA)

Vanessa Feltz wore a colourful number to the 68th annual event (Picture: PA)

Miquita Oliver was also in attendance to honour women from fields such as tech and teaching (Picture: PA)

Trigger Point star Vicky was also in awe, declaring that the awards are important because ‘the world is in need of support, love, and funding.’

‘And yet a lot of it does come down to the goodwill of the people, your neighbours, your community, those that don’t have that sort of funding and infrastructure yet seem to move mountains. I think those people need to be recognised all the time, every day.’

Sports broadcaster Clare Balding presented the Gilead campaigner for health equality to Leanne Pero, and she said it is ‘massively important’ to ‘hold women up’ and shout about their achievements.

A smiley Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson posed for a pic (Picture: PA)

Anneka Rice beamed as she folded her arms, wearing a brown suit and colourful patterned scarf (Picture: PA)

(L-R) Thomasina Miers, Sian Williams, Kathy Lette, and Vanessa had a blast (Picture: PA)

‘I just think it’s massively important to hold women up and say, “Look at this,” because we don’t often blow our own trumpet. Frankly, I don’t think women do that at all,’ she told Virgin Radio. ‘We’re not conditioned to, so it’s up to other people to say, “Look at this woman and what she’s done.” And then hope that others realise that these are exceptional people.’

As for the very worthy winners, five women from fields including finance, teaching, and tech were handed awards for their incredible work.

One recipient was inventor Nzambi Matee, who said winning eco champion award felt like a ‘huge moral boost.’

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‘It feels really good. Generally I take it as a way to say thank you, not just for me but also the team that we work with on this. I get the feeling this is someone saying, “We see what you’re doing, and we appreciate it.” It feels like a huge moral boost,’ she shared.

Tech entrepreneur Colleen Wong also said she no longer feels ‘alone’ after being recognised with the innovation award.

‘It’s huge, to have the support of 450 women, who are all doing amazing things all over the country, to be made to feel like I’m not alone, I’m not alone in my kitchen, everyone is here for me.’

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‘All of these women are doing remarkable things,’ said Lorraine.