THE wife of the late DJ legend John Peel has spoken of her delight after her husband was honoured as the most influential radio star of the past 25 years.

By John Howard

THE wife of the late DJ legend John Peel has spoken of her delight after her husband was honoured as the most influential radio star of the past 25 years.

Peel was among the winners at the Sony Radio Academy Awards this week, which also saw DJ Chris Evans scoop two big prizes, including beating Jonathan Ross to be crowned music radio personality of the year.

Peel, who lived at Great Finborough near Stowmarket, won the broadcasters' broadcaster award, voted for by fellow DJs and industry bosses.

The special prize marked the 25th anniversary of the awards, which are the most prestigious night in the radio calendar.

His wife Sheila, who picked up the award, said yesterday: “John won the broadcaster's broadcaster award, broadcasters from all over the country voted for their favourite.

“It's a one off award to celebrate their 25th anniversary and I thought it was quite touching and very special indeed, for many reasons.

“It was rather good that people are still thinking about John and still recognise him as being so important in his field.

“You could tell everyone very much wanted him to win and John totally ran away with it, that's really lovely and it is heart warming that his legacy continues.”

The much-loved broadcaster was a champion of new music and discovered dozens of bands during his 40 years in the business.

He was BBC Radio 1's longest serving DJ and in more recent years had presented the award-winning Home Truths show on Radio 4.

Peel had been married to second wife Sheila for 30 years and had four children.

The DJ was on a working holiday in the resort of Cuzco with Sheila when he suffered a fatal heart attack, aged 65 in 2004.

The Prime Minister, pop stars, BBC colleagues, charity workers and residents of the village that Peel called home all spoke of the sad loss of a broadcasting legend after his death.