CORONATION Street actress Julie Hesmondhalgh told an audience in Bolton that the top-rating soap is back to its best after going downhill earlier this year.

The star -- who plays transsexual character Hayley Cropper -- admitted that the cast had become frustrated with plot lines that led to Street viewers switching off in droves.

But she said the current writing team had turned the drama into a ratings winner again by concentrating on characters and mainly humorous storylines.

Talking after an awards-evening for Bolton-based Diversity In Barrier Breaking Communications (DBBC), she said: "Coronation Street did lose its way and the cast members saw that.

"But it is much better now and with a brilliant storyline involving Richard Hillman this Christmas it'll be a ratings winner."

Richard, who has already killed two people during his short spell on the Street, is said to be after his third victim.

But Julie was more interested in handing out awards to student members of DBBC, of which she is patron. The group, which runs Bolton Market Radio, won the National training Award for its work in helping students to communicate over the airwaves. The organisation, which is based in the Ashburner Street markets complex, gives training in "lifetime skills through broadcasting" to a wide range of people who need help with their confidence.

Julie said: "I'm so proud that a group I am involved with has achieved so much. The people who work for DBBC do a wonderful job.

"When I was asked to help them I had no choice but to say yes."

Teenage singing sensation Hannah Morris, who reached the grand final of BBC's A Star for a Night, sang at a ceremony held in Mere Hall, Bolton.

The Smithills School pupil is signed to Virgin Records and is also a patron of DBBC@Bolton Market Radio, a group that was set up by project manager Dorothy Martland.

Mrs Martland said: "We have achieved the highest award possible and that's due to the dedication of everyone involved with the project."