The three-part Channel Four series, which was shown last March, picked up the South Bank Show 'Best TV Drama' award.

David's dark and brooding work is set in West Yorkshire against the backdrop of the real-life Ripper murders – one of the victims was Helen Rytka, who worked at a Heckmondwike sweet factory.

The screen adaptations of three of the four Red Riding novels were well received by critics, and Yorkshire-born actor Sean Bean accepted the award from Melvyn Bragg on behalf of the production team.

Speaking exclusively to the Reporter Series, David said: "I was very lucky that such talented people wanted to adapt my work.

"And I am delighted that all their hard work and talent has been recognised by this award."

David, who grew up in Ossett and attended Batley Grammar School, is also the author of The Damned United, which was nominated for Best Film but missed out to Fish Tank.