BLACK Country comedy sensation Doreen Tipton has hit the big time after beating A list stars to win a top Midlands entertainment award.

Doreen, who started life as a spoof internet character created by Quarry Bank writer/filmmaker David Tristram, has been named winner of the What’s On Midlands Entertainment Personality of the Year Award.

Entertainment legends Julie Walters, Sir Lenny Henry, Beverley Knight and Citizen Khan’s Adil Ray were also in the running for the award but voters backed the self-proclaimed comedy queen of the Black Country, Doreen - played by Walsall actress Gill Jordan, for the accolade.

She told the News: "It’s an honour to be thought of in the same breath as the other four finalists. Julie Walters is a personal favourite of mine because I’m a big fan of the Harry Potplant films, Bev Knight is a musical legend, and the bloke from Citizen Khan is apparently on the telly in a BBC comedy that they’m really proud of, so I’m assuming he must be funny.

"I hadn’t heard of Sir Lenny Henry, but he’s obviously one to watch for the future. So yes, I feel blessed to have beaten them hands down. But the losers have nothing to be ashamed of. They’ve done well to get this far.”

Doreen has gone from strength to strength since she made her debut on YouTube in 2012.

She's appeared in sold out stage shows across the region as well as starring in her own feature length movie and her own internet comedy channel.

She has also hosted shows on BBC Radio WM, published her autobiography and become a panto star - and just last week she scooped the 'best newcomer award' in the Great British Pantomime Awards for her performance as The Lazy Empress in Wolverhampton Grand Theatre's production of Aladdin, alongside Emmerdale star Lisa Riley and X Factor singer Joe McElderry.

For more information about Doreen go to doreen.tv