General Hospital wins five Daytime Emmys

The cast of General Hospital celebrate their award wins

US soap General Hospital was the big winner at the Daytime Emmys in Los Angeles, picking up five awards including best drama for the 11th time.

The show also received awards for best directing team as well as three acting prizes for its cast members.

Anthony Geary won a record seventh Emmy for his role in the show, while Nancy Lee Grahn and Jonathan Jackson picked up best supporting actor awards.

Anderson Cooper and Sesame Street's Oscar the Grouch hosted the ceremony.

The best lead actress award went to Heather Tom for The Bold and the Beautiful.

The actress also made history as the first to win the category after winning both the best younger actress and supporting actress awards in previous years.

The ceremony was hosted by CNN's Anderson Cooper and Sesame Street's Oscar the Grouch

Other multiple winners included Days of Our Lives, which won best drama series writing team and best younger actor for his role as Chandler Massey.

Live with Regis and Kelly was named best entertainment talk show, while the hosts themselves won their own category.

Jeopardy! won best game show for a 13th time and NBC's Today show won best morning show, beating rival Good Morning America.

In the children's categories, Kevin Clash was named best performer for his work as Elmo in Sesame Street and Penguins of Madagascar won best animated programme.