Former veteran Progressive Labour Party MP and Senator, Reginald Burrows, is being honoured with the 2007 Distinguished Service Award from the prominent Wilberforce University in Ohio.

The award is presented on the recommendation of individuals or the University's chapters to those that have demonstrated the ability to energise and motivate within the alumni organisation and their respective communities.

Mr. Burrows, 72, who attended the university more than 30 years ago, and his wife Shelia, who also went to the same university, will travel to its Baltimore, Maryland, alumni chapter next week to accept the prize.

The ceremony will take place during the university's 2007 annual conference, which is hosted in a different city by former scholars each year.

Founded prior to the end of slavery in 1856, its America's oldest, private African-American university.

And, for more than 147 years it has aimed at providing young African-American students with a solid educational experience, according to its mission statement.

It's the second time in the past 15 years that Mr. Burrows, a member for 35 years, has been honoured by the institution.

Mr. Burrows served as MP for the Southampton East constituency for 34 years, before shifting to the Senate for two more and retired from politics in 2004, after an admirable and reputable career.