BRIDGWATER-BORN Tony Ball MBE has won an Outstanding Individual Achievement Award at the IMI annual dinner.

Mr Ball, the father of Michael Ball, attended the star studded ceremony which celebrated the contributions to the driving and motor sector.

Guests were joined by former England rugby player, Will Greenwood, Michael Ball OBE and British racing driver, Vicki Butler-Henderson.

During the evening, Tony Ball MBE's achievements to the industry were honoured and he was presented with the prestigious award.

Tony was born in Bridgwater where his father ran an Austin dealership and in 1951, he became an apprentice with the Austin Motor Company.

He was a pupil at Dr Morganians Grammar School, which ism now Haygrove, and is still a regular attendee at the Morganians old Boys reunions.

This year's event will be held on September 24 at Bridgwater and Albion Rugby Football Club.

A spokesperson for the Fellowship of the Motor Industry, of which Mr Ball was a past president, said: "His work for British industry is extensive.

Tony was appointed marketing advisor to three Secretaries of State in Margaret Thatcher’s Government and was awarded the Prince Philip Medal for his outstanding contribution to British marketing, as well as the MBE from Her Majesty the Queen for outstanding services to Industry.

"In addition, he is a winner of the prestigious Benedictine Award as Business Speaker of the Year.

"In founding his highly successful marketing and special events company TBA plc in 1983, Tony has masterminded the launch of a host of new models for leading car manufacturers internationally.

He produced many of Britain’s major public ceremonies and special events, an achievement for which he was awarded the Fellowship of both the Chartered Institute of

Marketing and the City and Guilds of London."

Mr Ball's achievements also include staging the British International Motor Show, the Scottish Motor Show, and he Motor Industry Centenary Celebrations for the SMMT, as well as conferences, campaigns and product launches.

The judges considered that Tony Ball has a made a unique and inspirational contribution to every sector of the motoring industry during the past 60 years.