Prince Charles has made wholesaler Peter Blakemore one of his business ambassadors for his commitment to responsible trading.

The MD of AF Blakemore & Son received a video message from the prince in which he was named West Midlands Ambassador.

The Prince told Blakemore: "We are nearly always dependent on the talents of individual business leaders to find a way to make things happen. My Ambassador Award recognises the contribution of those individuals whose unwavering dedication and commitment has made a real difference in the organisations and communities in which they work."

Blakemore attracted the praise of the Prince for ­supporting local suppliers and for the Blakemore Foundation, a community fund that receives 1% of the company's pre-tax profits.