The volunteering spirit of a Dunedin businessman has been recognised with an international award.

Tony Cummings, better known in Dunedin as Barbeque Bill, was named International Volunteer of the Year at the Sail Training Annual Awards at Halmstad in Sweden.

The award recognises his work on the two Spirit of Adventure Trust tall ships.

During his time he's gained his master's square rig ticket and Maritime New Zealand's skipper restricted limits.

Made with the support of NZ on Air