May 1, 2007 10:32

John Peel honoured with special award

Late DJ is named the 'broadcaster's broadcaster'

John Peel has received the Sony Radio Academy 'Broadcaster’s Broadcaster' Award - more than two years after his death.

The DJ’s widow Sheila picked up the special honour last night (April 30), which had been voted for by broadcasters to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sony Awards.

Peel, who worked as a broadcaster for over 40 years, is famed for championing new music, launching the careers of bands including The Wedding Present, Blur, The Undertones and The Fall.

This is not the only posthumous award the much-loved broadcaster has received - he was honoured with a Lifelong Service to Music Award at the 2005 Shockwaves NME Awards.