A RECORD-breaking round-the-world pilot has joined a distinguished group after being given one of the world's top aviation awards.

Manuel Queiroz, from Pirton, near Pershore, was presented with the Britannia Trophy by the Duke of York during a ceremony at the Royal Air Force Club, in Piccadilly, London.

Mr Queiroz described the honour as overwhelming and said it was a day he would never forget.

He was awarded the trophy after becoming the first pilot to circumnavigate the globe in a British-registered home-built aircraft.

Last year he flew solo around the world in 39 days, setting a new British speed record and six world records.

Mr Queiroz said: "It is such a high honour and to receive it in such distinguished company is amazing. It's a very prestigious trophy and is only given when the Royal Aero Club of the United Kingdom deems someone worthy.

"Some of the most famous names in aviation have won this award and it is a great honour to be among them. The Duke of York was a very funny man and, of course, is a pilot himself, having served in the Falklands war."

Mr Queiroz will not be able to add the award to his trophy cabinet as it is kept at the RAF Museum in Hendon.

He said: "I was able to hold it at the awards ceremony, but unfortunately there is no replica to take home. I have a certificate and, of course, a great deal of pride."

Mr Queiroz now spends a lot of time giving after-dinner speeches and is working on his next big project.