A LIFELONG keen sportsman has been rewarded with an OBE in recognition to his dedication to grassroots sports.

Peter Rowley, from Darlington, was presented with his medal by the Prince of Wales on Friday at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

The former chief executive of Darlington Building Society was recognised for services to Sports Administration after spending years on the Sport England board.

When the announcement was made in the New Year's Honours, the keen runner, who is a member of the Quakers Running Club based in Darlington, said he enjoyed working at grassroots level over the more prestigious elite level.

As well as his love for sport, Mr Rowley has been heavily involved in a variety of community projects across the region, including the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, County Durham Training and Enterprise Council, Darlington Citizens Advice Bureau, Northern Arts, Council for Licensed Conveyancers and the Durham Agency Against Crime.