QPR midfielder Joey Barton won the coveted Straight Ally of the Year gong at the Out In The City & G3 Magazine Awards last night.





The glitzy ceremony - dubbed Britain's 'gay Oscars' - took place at London's Landmark Hotel.





This season, Barton has shown his support of campaigns to tackle homophobia and discrimination in football. He beat off tough competition from rugby legend and Strictly Come Dancing star Ben Cohen, breakfast TV presenter Lorraine Kelly and Ab Fab star Jennifer Saunders for the honour.





Barton attended the awards with his openly gay uncle, Tom Barton.





The QPR star was presented with his award by TV presenter Paul O'Grady.





Awards organiser, Sarah Garrett said: "Joey's victory is no surprise after he has worked so hard to tackle homophobia in football.





"I'm glad his efforts were recognised and I hope he continues to be a champion for equality on and off the football field."





Over 300 VIPs were in attendance at the awards, including Olympic diver Tom Daley, who won the Sports Personality of the Year award; TV presenter Paul O'Grady; Graham Norton; and Holly Johnson, who shot to fame as the front-man of 80s pop group Frankie Goes to Hollywood, who secured the Lifetime Achievement honour.