DUDLEY North MP, Ian Austin, has been named as a Sport and Recreation Alliance Sports Parliamentarian of the Year.

The MP, who is a keen cyclist and regularly champions sports opportunities in the borough, was one of 11 MPs and peers to be honoured at the House of Commons ceremony.

Mr Austin, who is also co-chair for the All Party Parliamentary Cycling Group , was nominated by British Cycling in recognition of his support over the last 12 months.

The MP said he was “delighted” with the award.

He added: “Sport is a great way of keeping fit and healthy.

“The Olympics showed that success is based on hard-work, dedication and team work. Sport teaches us these important lessons and it also helps keep kids off the streets and out of trouble.

“This year I’ve continued to work closely with British Cycling and other bodies to push sport higher up the Government agenda. Over the past few years I’ve worked hard to improve sports facilities here in Dudley helping get new investment for a new sports hall at Ellowes Hall and £500,000 to double the size of Priory Boxing club, for example.”

Brigid Simmonds OBE, who chaired the awarding panel, said: “It is clear that Ian has made an immensely valuable contribution to the sport and recreation sector, and we are pleased to have the chance to pay tribute to his hard work, commitment and dynamism.”

The overall winner was Matthew Hancock, the MP for West Suffolk, for his dedication to horse racing.