BBC Midlands Today presenter Nick Owen was overcome with emotion as an on-air tribute was paid following news of his MBE awarded in the King’s Birthday Honours List.

The TV news anchor, who lives in Kinver, was awarded the accolade for services to broadcasting and to charity, it was confirmed on June 14.

In a BBC interview, he said he was “stunned but thrilled” to have been honoured with the award for his work in regional and national television, which has spanned more than 50 years, as well as his endeavours supporting charities close to his heart over the last 30 years.

He said: “It was a real wow moment when I first got the letter.

“I feel very honoured, I still can’t quite get my head around it.”

Nick OwenNick Owen (Image: John Bray)

The veteran journalist, who began his career at the Birmingham Post and what was BBC Radio Birmingham, became a household name nationally through his days on the TV-am sofa with Anne Diamond and for nearly 27 years he’s been the face of BBC Midlands Today.

He said: “It sort of defines me. I’ve loved it and made so many great friends and had some terrific experiences.”

The Royal honour in part commends his support for charities – the Edward’s Trust and Baby Lifeline as well as his broadcasting career.

Nick Owen on BBC Midlands TodayNick Owen on BBC Midlands Today (Image: BBC Midlands Today)

More recently, having undergone treatment for prostate cancer, he has focused his charity endeavours on Prostate Cancer UK.

During an on-air tribute on Midlands Today in which congratulatory messages were read out, he was left choking back tears when the final message, from his son Tim Owen, appeared on screen, saying "Very proud of you dad".

After composing himself, he said: "I do want to thank everyone who's been in touch, you know, and so supportive. And also I'm so grateful that people have responded to the message in the first place about prostate cancer because that's such an important thing."