15315/2Andy Cotton, concert producer and friend of the stars, has scooped the industry's equivalent to the Oscars, at a glittering awards ceremony.

The 41-year-old from Chelworth, near Crudwell, picked up the production manager of the year at the Total Productions International Awards 2005 held in London's West End.

He has produced some 60 outdoor festivals, working with artists such as Busted, Tom Jones, Blue, Westlife, James Taylor and Elton John.

He also managed the band from the movie The Commitments and worked with singer Charlotte Church.

He said receiving the award in front of 1,000 of the music industry's top production names made him proud. "I was up against tough competition from around the world so I was surprised to win. This is the most prestigious award in our industry and I am over the moon.

"By now I know most of the stars personally and have become friends with a lot of them. Sometimes it is a bit funny to have the stars coming to my house in Chelworth.

"At that celebrity level, it is a very strange world. Many of the stories you read about pop stars wanting this or that is true. I am organising a Rod Stewart gig this July and he wants two limousines, drinks and 45 FIFA footballs. I think to a certain extent you have got to look after artists."

Mr Cotton runs his own music company called Try Anything Once Productions.

He also lectures for the Cabinet Office on the Festival and Massed Gatherings Course.