Sir Terry Wogan was honoured by the UK radio industry as he prepares to bow out from his Radio 2 Breakfast Show, and admitted: "I don't really want to go."

The presenter - who is stepping down - said the countdown to his departure had been "a hell of a strain, mentally and emotionally". Sir Terry was speaking as fellow radio hosts such as Chris Moyles and John Humphrys lined up to pay tribute to his years as a presenter.

His successor Chris Evans also spoke warmly at the London event in which the 71-year-old Irish star was doubly honoured.

Sir Terry was inducted into the Radio Academy Hall Of Fame, as well as being awarded the PRS John Peel Outstanding Contribution To Music Award, handed over by Take That star Gary Barlow.

The presenter, who has hosted Radio 2's breakfast slot for a total of 27 years, told how it had been a difficult decision to step down - and how he would miss the programme and listeners.

"I don't particularly want to go but I think it's the right time. It's already emotional - the last two weeks have been a hell of strain emotionally and mentally. I've been feeling tired and I realise it's taking its toll because I realise I am going to have to say goodbye."

He continued: "There's never a good time to leave but there's a right time. I think the public has always confused longevity with merit.

"If you hang around long enough and a proportion of the great British public still hold you in some affection that's the time to leave, the time to walk away. Don't wait, it's not going to get any better. Not for me."

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