MBE is a 'boost' for Sheffield athlete Jessica Ennis

Sheffield athlete Jessica Ennis said receiving an MBE for her services to athletics has given her a boost.

The London 2012 Olympic hopeful was presented with the honour by the Prince of Wales during an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

She discussed her training with Prince Charles as she was presented the award.

"He said he hoped this was a boost for me," she said. "It is a boost, not only for me, but also for athletics to help lift the sport's profile."

Ennis added: "He asked me how training was going and told me he was looking forward to the Olympics."

When asked if the award felt as good as receiving a gold medal, she replied: "It's definitely up there."

Ennis, 25, said 2008 had been a disappointing year but it also set the stage for a significant comeback.

She was forced to pull out of the Beijing Olympics in 2008 because of a foot injury, but bounced back to win gold at the World Championships in Berlin in 2009 and silver when she defended her title in South Korea earlier this year.

"I went from one extreme to the other," she said. "It was a massive blow to be injured and then going on to be the best in the world has been a major highlight in my career."