BUSINESSMAN Cecil Duckworth has spoken of his delight at being named Central's West Midlander of the Year.

The chairman and benefactor of Worcester Rugby Club was last week honoured for his dedication to sport and the community in the ITV Midlander of the Year Awards.

The honour followed hot on the heels of his OBE, which he received in last year's birthday honours list.

"It was wonderful to have received this award," he said. "It's much appreciated and it will be going in a little retreat of mine."

Mr Duckworth is well-known for ploughing money and time into helping the people of the county, through the rugby club and the Duckworth Trust, which aims to improve the safety and cleanliness of Worcestershire.

The 66-year-old father-of-two received his award at a reception at ITV Central's Birmingham Studios on Thursday. The awards were voted for by viewers.

The annual awards honour those who have increased the prestige of the region, or who have made an outstanding contribution to its social, political, industrial, cultural or sporting life.

The awards ceremony will be broadcast on February 15, at 7.30pm on ITV1.