A WORCESTER businessman has won an award in the pub industry's version of the "Oscars".

John Pettit, from Knightwick, near Worcester, was named Business Development Manager of the Year and received his prize from TV star Jonathon Ross at a glittering ceremony in London.

Mr Pettit is looking forward to a week of luxury in South Africa, in June, taking in the Sabi Sabi game reserve, courtesy of this employer, The Laurel Pub Company. He said he was "delighted but flabbergasted".

"I really want to thank all the people in the pubs that I deal with - they make it happen for you," he said.

"It's a dream come true."

The Laurel Pub Company operates 625 managed pubs and bars, from "traditional locals" to metropolitan bars.