Skins up for gay and lesbian award in US

Skins has been nominated for an award in the US recognising the fair, accurate and inclusive representation of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

The E4 drama is broadcast on BBC America in the States and is up for the drama series gong from the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD).

Torchwood: Children Of Earth - another BBC America production - is nominated in the TV movie or miniseries category.

Brothers And Sisters and Grey's Anatomy are also up for the drama award, as well as Mad Men and True Blood, while the other nominees in the TV movie category are An Englishman In New York, Pedro and Prayers For Bobby.

In the comedy series category, Glee, Modern Family, Beautiful People, Greek and US Of Tara are nominated, while All My Children and One Life To Live will vie for the daily drama gong.

Reality TV nods went to The Amazing Race 15, Kathy Griffin: My Life On The D-List, RuPaul's Drag Race, The Real World and Making His Band.

Wide release feature film nominees are the family drama Everybody's Fine, bromantic comedy I Love You, Man, Harlem saga Precious, 1960s period piece A Single Man and bohemian romp Taking Woodstock.

GLAAD also announced that actress Cynthia Nixon will be honoured with the Vito Russo Award, which is presented to a gay media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equal rights for the gay community.

GLAAD president Jarrett Barrios said: "Cynthia Nixon has been a vocal and visible advocate who has transformed cultural attitudes about our community."