County man fails in Aussie title bid

Strewth! Australians were today breathing a sigh of relief after a man born and raised in Shropshire narrowly missed out on being crowned Australian of the Year.

Jon Dee, originally from Wem, was shortlisted for the gong in recognition of his charity work.

But he was pipped at the post by another candidate who was handed the award, which is dished out each Australia Day.

Mr Dee, a married father-of-two who lives in New South Wales, grew up and went to school in Wem.

His mum, Councillor Pauline Dee, said Jon had come second.

She said: "We're all very proud of him and we've told him to keep his chin up because he was the bookies' favourite at one stage. He really loves Australia and has been there for about 19 years."

Mr Dee has already struck a blow for pommies down under by winning the New South Wales Australian of the Year for 2009.