THE chairman and founder of Plymouth's Princess Yachts International has received the judges' special award at this year's Motor Boat of the Year dinner in London.

David King picked up the honour at the Savoy Hotel from Carl Richardson, editor of Motor Boats Monthly, and Hugo Andreae , editor of Motor Boats and Yachting.

The trophy was given in recognition of the innovation, passion and dedication Mr King has provided the British marine industry over 46 years.

Princess Yachts began building boats in 1965 and is responsible for some of the market's most ground-breaking and iconic models.

"David is one of the industry's true champions" said Mr Richardson. "He has worked tirelessly to create one of the most prestigious and respected marine brands in the world, and promote British industry and design across the globe.

"Along the way he has been responsible for some of the great motorboats of the modern era and with the launch of the new 40-metre later this year I'm sure there is much more to come."

Mr King praised workers at Princess Yachts and said: "This is far more about the bigger team, who have helped make Princess a success over the years, than it is for me.

"I have been extremely fortunate to have worked with so many wonderfully talented people both at Princess and in the industry as a whole so I feel this is recognition for them."

Princess Yachts also collected the Motor Boat of the Year honour for its V52 model, in the Sports Cruisers category.