Ellie Simmonds appointed OBE at Buckingham Palace

Simmonds won four medals at London 2012, including two golds

Swimmer Ellie Simmonds has been appointed an OBE for services to Paralympic sport.

The 18-year-old, from Walsall, received the award from Prince Charles in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Friday.

Simmonds won two gold medals at London 2012, to add to two secured at Beijing in 2008.

She said she had been nervous ahead of the ceremony, but that it was "amazing" to be honoured at Buckingham Palace.

"It was such a nice ceremony. Prince Charles said 'well done on your swimming', and he asked what my next focus was, so it was really nice," she said.