Shropshire's Oscars celebrations

There were Oscars celebrations in Shropshire today as Peter Bebb, whose parents hail from the Westbury area, picked up a visual effects Oscar for the sci-fi thriller Inception.

Mr Bebb, who was born at Loggerheads near Market Drayton, said it was an "amazing feeling" to have received the famous gold statue.

He celebrated his victory at the Vanity Fair after-show party.

Colin Firth was crowned king of Hollywood, winning his first Oscar on a fantastic occasion for the Brits. The 50-year-old took the best actor prize for his role as George VI - one of four successes for The King's Speech.

The King's Speech was also named best film and best screenplay, while Tom Hooper was voted best director.

Welshman Christian Bale won best supporting actor, but there was disappointment for Helena Bonham Carter who missed out on best supporting actress.

The prize went instead to Bale's co-star in The Fighter, Melissa Leo - who sparked controversy when she used the "F-word" during her acceptance speech.

It was a disappointing night for Facebook drama The Social Network, which had been expected to compete for the best film award, but had to make do with three minor prizes.

Meanwhile, a heavily pregnant Natalie Portman delivered a tearful speech when she accepted the best actress prize for ballet drama Black Swan.