A SWITCHED on IT expert from Kidderminster has carried off a national award for his pioneering use of web technology.

Phil Young, of Chester Road South, works for Amtrak Express Parcels and earned the accolade CIO innovator of the year in the eighth annual UK Technology Innovation and Growth Awards.

The 41-year-old, who is IT director for Amtrak, at Walsall, was announced as the winner during a gala evening in London, attended by more than 600 people from the world of IT nationally last week.

Among other nominees beaten by Mr Young were representatives of BT and John Menzies.

The former Franche Middle and Wolverley High schools pupil was so convinced he would not walk away with the prize that he did not bother conforming with the black tie dress code for the event.

"It's fantastic for me and for the company," said Mr Young, adding: "It's quite a prestigious award. I didn't think I had a chance of winning at all. I was totally shocked."

He was judged the chief information officer or IT director who had shown most willingness to innovate, using products or services from UK growth technology firms.

In his case, he worked with two emerging technology firms in using web systems and wireless data collection to boost home deliveries firm Amtrak's booking and tracking systems.

His name was put forward for the award by the European Technology Forum. "It was an external nomination, which is nice," said Mr Young.

His award win was the second piece of good news for him and his partner, Kim Johnson, who runs Kim Johnson Furniture Design, in Park Lane, Kidderminster. She won a wedding gown worth up to £1,000 at January's Shuttle/Times & News Truly, Madly, Deeply bridal exhibition at Stone Manor Hotel.

The couple, who have three children, hope to tie the knot next Christmas.