OATA has given a posthumous Lifetime Achievement award to one of its founding members David Keeley.

David, who ran Underworld in Loughborough for many years, helped set up OFI UK in 1991, which later become known as the Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA).

He was a popular and well-known figure in the industry, until his untimely death in 2010.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was handed out at the AQUA 2013 show in Telford. This year, David’s widow Jenny was present to accept the award from OATA Chief Executive Keith Davenport at the show dinner.

“He was a very private person and liked to keep in the background so he probably wouldn’t have liked the attention but secretly he would have been very pleased," said Jenny.

"I am sure if he had been here to accept the award he would have had a few anecdotes to impart. He was a man of integrity with a great sense of humour who really cared about the industry and I think he would have been extraordinarily proud.”

OATA Chief Executive Keith Davenport said: “I don’t think David missed an OATA board meeting. He was a very dedicated supporter of the industry and the trade association he was a prime mover in setting up.

"His twinkly smile, his good humour, his good sense and flamboyant ties are sadly missed by us all.”

Pictured: Jenny Keeley with OATA Chief Executive Keith Davenport.