Catherine Merriman's book about women's real-life sexual experiences has scooped one of the prizes in the 2004 Erotic Awards.

As we reported last month, Laughing, Not Laughing, which was edited by the 55-year-old, was shortlisted for the awards which are presented to "people who are stars in the erotic galaxy".

It has now been revealed that the book, an anthology of stories of women ranging from their 20s to over-60, won the publications category.

Mrs Merriman said: "I am delighted that the courage of our contributors has been recognised, and it's hard to see where else this recognition might have come from - the Erotic Awards, after all, 'honour people who are unafraid to work in sexuality'."

Published by Honno Welsh Women's Press at £7.99, 26 women detail their sexual experiences in the book which has been dubbed the Vagina Monologues of Wales.

Mrs Merriman, who lives in Clydach, said: "When compiling the book I was surprised at the wide variety of material I received. I wasn't really embarrassed about the experiences, but I did feel like I had learned things I have never experienced.

"Some of the stories are touching, and I felt thrilled and delighted for the women. But some are appalling, and I still get a lump in my throat when I read them now."

Lindsay Ashford, publishing manager at Honno, said the book was a frank and unique look at sex.

"I don't know of any other book that draws on the experiences of those aged between 20 and 60," she said. "It provides an antidote to women's magazines which say what women should be doing in their sex lives and what others are doing."

Laughing, Not Laughing was launched at The Guardian Hay Festival earlier this year. It has also been selected by W H Smith as their Welsh book of the month for September.