The Liverpool Echo (no relation to The Sofia Echo) is reporting that the sisters of Michael Shields have won a national award for their dedication to getting him out of jail.

Shields was imprisoned in Bulgaria after being found guilty of attacking Varna-based barman Martin Georgiev. He was later transferred back to the UK to serve out the rest of his sentence before being pardoned by justice secretary Jack Straw in September.

Melissa and Laura Shields, who made 32 journeys to Bulgaria to visit their brother during his incarceration, were given the Cosmopolitan Ultimate Family Girls award at a star-studded ceremony in London. Michael Shields also attended.

The sisters were presented their award by model Abi Clancy. The winners were subsequently taken to meet Gordon Brown’s wife Sarah at Downing Street.

The Liverpool Echo quotes 30-year-old Melissa Shields as saying: "It was a lovely night and we were made to feel very welcome. There were celebrities everywhere. Pixie Lott came over to congratulate us and I was chatting to Danni Minogue for ages. What put the icing on the cake was when Sarah Brown congratulated us. She told Michael she was very pleased he was free and was asking how my mum was because she remembered having tea with her when we were protesting in London during the campaign."

Laura Shields, 28, is quoted as saying: "We fought for Michael from day one because he’s our brother and we’d do anything for him. You’ve got to protect and love each other because you don’t know what tomorrow might bring. We always knew he was innocent and we’re still getting used to finally having him back with us."

The newspaper quotes Cosmopolitan’s Editor, Louise Court, as saying: "Melissa and Laura are an inspiration to us all and their courage and determination is phenomenal. This year’s awards have once again opened our eyes to many extraordinary and inspirational women."