Radio presenter's outstanding award (From Penarth Times)

Radio presenter's outstanding award

Ex-Penarth Times' old boy John Humphrys has scooped one of the UK's most prestigious radio awards.

John, 59, whose career spans 45 years, is best known for being the scourge of politicians on Radio 4's Today programme.

But when he recently accepted his Sony Radio Academy Gold award - given for his outstanding contribution to radio - the often abrasive presenter showed his lighter side. "This particular award should be renamed The OFA," he quipped.

"The Old Farts Award!"

He even claimed that the award was his "obituary".

"I'm sure it's a new way they've come up with for getting rid of me," he said.

"It's my third award in the last month so it could be a question of them saying either, 'We are giving you these awards now bugger off,' or 'These will do instead of a pay rise!

"It's the sort of award you get when you're old. They look for people who have been around for a long time but can still hobble on stage."

John received his accolade, radio's equivalent of the Oscars, at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London last weekend and in doing so broke the habit of a lifetime.

He said: "I studiously avoid award ceremonies but then when you get an award you hear yourself saying perhaps there's a point in them.

"Of course I'm delighted. It's nice to be recognised by your peers."

John has worked on the Today programme for 15 years and he paid a handsome tribute to the programme.

"This award has come for the work I have done on Radio 4 which I think is the most important cultural institution in this nation and has been for as long as I remember.

"Radio 4 is the civilising influence in this country. I am proud beyond belief to work for it."