From rock stars to pop idols - one entrepreneur has been given a distinguished award for his contributions to the music industry.

Dave Shackleton, from Rawdon, was presented with the prestigious Achievement in Management and Enterprise Award at a glittering star-studded ceremony at Elland Road last week.

The 35-year-old is an inspiration to Aireborough youngsters, His current role is as vice-president of world-renowned music company International BMG Entertain-ment.

Playing an important role in the careers of stars such as the boy band, Westlife, Dave was nominated for the Yorkshire Young Achievers Awards by one of the many people he has given a chance to.

Former work experience student, Steve Farmer, nominated the kind-hearted music boss as a thank you for his help.

After granting him work experience Dave then helped him to get more work experience which led to him getting a full time job with a record company.

Despite dealing with top rock stars from Annie Lennox to Natalie Imbruglia Dave admits to having been nervous on the night.

"I was so nervous, I didn't think I was going to win," he said.

"The music industry didn't seem entrepreneurial enough and I thought there must be more worthy people out there. I was delighted for myself and my family."

He said that winning the trophy was particularly sweet because it was at his favourite football ground.

"Winning the trophy at Elland Road was great because I'm a big Leeds United fan," he said.

"This was the last time I could have won it because I would have been too old next time.

"All my family were at the ceremony and my grandparents both had tears in their eyes, I was thrilled they were all there with me."

His wife, famed Pop Idol judge Nicky Chapman, accompanied him and was treated to see her protg Gareth Gates be named as Personality of the Year.

Dave, a former Benton Park pupil, left Aireborough to follow his dream to become a music journalist on rock magazine Kerrang.

He went on to edit his own music magazine, became a consultant, and has now being working for BMG for 11 years.

The former Rawdon Litt-lemoor Primary School pupil said: "My next step would be to take up a new challenge, looking at Compact Disc piracy in Asia for instance.

"I am very keen to get back to writing, maybe a book in future. I still write for fun and for the Leeds United magazine."

Dave is urging other Aireborough youngsters to follow their dreams.

"The simple fact is Aireborough is not the end of the earth," he said.

"I still think everyone needs a bit of luck, but you can make your own luck. I refused to give up, I just had a passion for doing for I loved.

"It is a hard job and it isn't just glamour."

Dave also issued his final piece of advice to youngsters who are chasing their dream.

He said: "I would just say to anyone else 'try and live your dream'."