DROITWICH Spa's very own cricket ace was honoured for his Ashes heroics during a special award ceremony held in the town.

Warwickshire spin bowler Ashley Giles collected his honorary citizen award on Friday and described his love for the "beautiful little town" that he has made his home.

Town mayor, Richard Morris, held the ceremony and created the award for the Spa resident who has helped put Droitwich on the map and secured the Ashes from Australia during the summer.

Before the event Ashley made time to sign autographs and chat with eager young cricket fans.

Speaking to The Advertiser he said: "It is a great honour, I am not from the town but moved here in 1999 when I met my wife. I have had my kids here and it is as good as home."

He said the last Test of the series was the most memorable and added he was looking forward to the next tour of Pakistan.

"The mayor wrote me a letter about giving me the award. I think they have created it just for me which is great," he said.

The ceremony was held in the Council Chamber at St Richard's House at 5.30pm and mayor Morris addressed the guests, who included Ashley's family and friends as well as members of the Droitwich Spa Cricket Club.

"It is great to have the King of Spain living in the town," joked mayor Morris - a reference to the misprint seen on mugs at Warwickshire County Cricket Club that were supposed to read the 'King of Spin'.

On a more serious note he added: "You have made the town very proud. It seemed to be more personal for people here because there was a resident from Droitwich involved."

Mayor Morris described how when watching the final nail biting moments in the Castle pub, Worcester Road, the crowd started to chant "You will have to honour him now!"

After accepting the award, Ashley said: "This is a great honour. I have been here for six years and have set up my family and now my parents have moved here as well."

He described how his career had led him to the town's knee clinic and how this beautiful little town was ideally placed, close to Birmingham.

He said that he now considers Droitwich Spa his home and a place he intends to stay for a long time.

Ashley was also given tickets to the town's Brine baths, a bottle of champagne from Waitrose and framed pictures of Droitwich Spa.

The Salvation Army Songsters ended the ceremony with a poignant rendition of Ashes anthem 'Jerusalem'.