A Cumbrian journalist who became the first transgender woman to present an all-female TV talk show has been to Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister.

Ex-ITV Border presenter India Willoughby, from Carlisle, had a special audience with Theresa May during a reception in London to celebrate the LGBT community.

The Prime Minister asked Ms Willoughby to attend the event along with other prominent members of the LGBT community, including TV star Judge Rinder.

India, who has also appeared on Loose Women, said: "It was a great day and great to have a nosey around.

"I got to meet Theresa May and we had a chat out in the garden. It was quite informal.

"We weren't asked for advice on policy or cabinet material. It was chitty chatty and a light conversation."

India's invite came after she was named at number 63 in the Pride Power List, a compilation of key LGBT figures.

Since undergoing surgery in 2015, she has taken the brave decision to speak out about being transgender and has become a key champion for that community.

She added: "I was a little bit surprised at getting invited to such a reception by the Conservatives, who are in bed with the DUP.

"The Conservatives' history of voting doesn't have a good reputation among the LGBT community.

"But in her speech, Mrs May admitted that votes she'd cast historically, if she'd had her time again there was a lot of motions about LGBT issues she would vote differently on."

"I was chuffed to be on the power list, I was surprised to be on there," India continued.

"I think my invite to Downing Street was linked to that."

Ms Willoughby said she hoped receptions like this were the start of a greater working relationship and understanding between the LGBT community and Government.

Recently India has began reading the news on Channel 5 and has appeared on the hit Channel 4 show Come Dine with Me.