ANDREW Finney said he was “honoured and humbled” to be declared the winner of the Basingstoke Ambassador Award.

A former leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Andrew has taken an active role in Basingstoke life for a number of years.

Currently, he is on the board of Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership, is chairman of Anvil Arts, and president of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce.

Receiving his award, Andrew said: “This really means a lot to me. There are two words to sum up how I feel – honoured and humbled.

“It’s a great honour to know that you have done something to put something back into Basingstoke. It is a truly great place to live. This community has to be one of the best in the country, and I am proud to be part of it.”

Ali Foss, principal of QMC, which sponsored the category with Vitacress, said: “Andrew epitomises the phrase ‘if you want something done, ask a busy person’. He is a worthy winner and an outstanding ambassador for Basingstoke and Deane.”

Adventurer James Ketchell was one of the runners-up – but he was to take the top prize in another of the categories.

The other finalist was Basingstoke Primary Team Gym Squad, who won a gold medal at the British Championships.

The team have this year also taken gold at the Southern Region Championships and bronze at the Bracknell International.