FASHION retailer Chris O’Dea was overwhelmed to receive a gong from his home town.

After launching his first shop on Cotham Street 25 years ago, this successful entrepreneur now has a children’s designer boutique as well as jewellery, menswear and womenswear stores.

Picking up his business award, Chris said: “I feel quite humbled.

“I am only a Parr boy, a proud St Helens lad.

“I am chuffed to bits, absolutely delighted.

“For me to get this excellence in business award is incredible.”

He paid tribute to his team of almost 30 staff.

Chris said: “OD’s is the name above the door, but without all my staff we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.

“Everyone who works for me does a great job. It is a team effort.”

Chris was presented with his award by Eamon McManus, chairman of St Helens Economy Board, who outlined ambitious plans to transform the town centre.

He said: “St Helens was the largest town centre in Britain 50 to 60 years ago, with 280,000 people and full employment.

“Plans are now in place to create 10,000 jobs and invest £1 billion.”

Chris welcomed the ambitious blueprint.

“If all the proposed plans are put into place it will be something we can all be proud of,” Chris said.

He hopes OD’s Juniors, his latest boutique, will become one of the leading stores for children’s fashion in the UK.