FITNESS tycoon Duncan Bannatyne, one of the region's richest men, has been honoured with the OBE for his business enterprise and charity work.

The Darlington-based entrepreneur, said to be worth £115m in the Sunday Times Rich List, made his name in the North-East, successfully running care homes, before developing a chain of health clubs.

His success, which stemmed from humble beginnings as an ice cream man, has had a national impact, with the father-of-six featuring on a string of TV programmes.

Mr Bannatyne was also recognised for his charity work, which has involved visits to deprived parts of the world to aid youngsters.

He is an honorary fellow of Unicef and has visited Malawi, in central Africa, to work with deprived children on behalf of Scottish International Relief (SIR).

As part of his work with SIR, he pledged £100,000 towards the cost of building an orphanage in Romania.

Last night, Mr Bannatyne told of his shock and delight at receiving the accolade.

"I was surprised and thrilled to receive this honour," he said.

"It acknowledges involvement with charities and gives me the opportunity to highlight the charities that I support.

"One of the real benefits of business success has been the ability to become involved, both personally and financially, in the activities of these organisations and this honour is also a tribute to their work.

"It was a privilege to work with Unicef and Scottish International Relief, including visits to the children in Romania, whose lives have been blighted by poverty and Aids.

"The new orphanages that we have built will transform their lives and give them hope for the future.

"I am also proud to support the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme here in the UK, which offers our young people the opportunity to grow, develop and gain a level of independence that will equip them for life in the adult world."

After a short break from the business world, Mr Bannatyne returned at the end of last year with plans to create a casino empire, starting with a £5m building in the casino area of Newcastle.