The manager of Oceana nightclub in Watford, Alex O’Reilly, is celebrating after being voted Manager of the Year by Europe’s largest nightclub operator, The Luminar Group.

The company, which operates 55 nightclubs across the UK, held its annual awards ceremony hosted by chief executive Peter Marks at Whittlebury Hall in Northampton.

Former glass collector Alex, 37, who has been manager at Oceana, for almost three years, was recognised for his "outstanding commitment to the club, attracting new customers and making sure it’s a fun and safe place for local young people to go on a night out".

Alex has also been a proactive member of Pub Watch and worked in partnership with the local council and police to enforce a zero tolerance attitude to anti-social behaviour in Watford.

He said: "It’s great to be recognised by your peers, but it’s even better to be seen to be delivering a great clubbing experience for our customers.

"This award is definitely a team effort and together we have worked really hard to ensure that we are the late night venue of choice in Watford.

"We have also focused on building relations and partnerships with the police, councillors and local residents to minimise disruption and bring vibrancy and essential employment to our town."

Luminar’s chief executive, Peter Marks, added: "Alex is an inspirational manager who leads from the front engaging with his team to deliver consistently high customer service standards from the box office to the final farewell.

"He is the ultimate showman and his passion and an in-depth understanding of his customers’ needs and the necessity to keep evolving his entertainment to remain market leading, not just locally but nationally, sets Alex apart from the pack."