When a father-of-two was invited to a boxing awards ceremony, he had no idea he would end up being one of the stars of the show.

Bob Williams, who runs Boxcleva, in the Hertswood Centre, Borehamwood, was presented with the first ever Dean Powell memorial trophy at the British Boxing Board of Control awards.

But the prize came as a complete surprise to the 48-year-old, who thought he was attending the dinner as a guest and to support friends in the business.

He said: “I had no idea - it was a complete shock. I am honoured to bits. I joke now that everyone stitched me up, but in a good way.

“They began speaking about a gentleman who has done a lot for boxing-related causes in the last 35 years and my wife began crying, realising they were talking about me.

“My ears pricked up then. I was overwhelmed, I didn’t know what to say. I’m just so happy, it’s an unexpected surprise.”

Over the years, the firefighter, who works at Borehamwood Fire Station, Elstree Way, has raised thousands for amateur boxing clubs and a range of charities.

He also runs the Boxcleva scheme, a non-contact after school initiative to help children control their aggression and teach them about the dangers of drugs and drinking.

The awards ceremony was held at the Grange City Hotel, in Tower Bridge, and attended by the chairman and general secretary of the British Board of Boxing.

The award is solid bronze and valued at £3,000, and an exact likeness to the late Dean Powell, a boxer who took his own life last September.

He added: “I couldn’t have done this by myself - I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped me along the way.”