Manx enduro star David Knight 'honoured' to collect MBE

Mr Knight said it was a day he will never forget

Isle of Man enduro rider David Knight has said he was "honoured" to collect his MBE from the Queen at a service held at Buckingham Palace in London.

Mr Knight said it was an "unbelievable experience and fantastic to have his achievements recognised".

The 33-year-old from Ballaugh has won the Enduro World Championship three times and was awarded the honour for services to motorsport.

He has also won 10 British titles and four in the United States.

Hip surgery

Mr Knight said: "The Queen asked if I was a TT rider and I explained that I ride off-road. She was very interested. It was an unbelievable experience and I was very honoured.

"I think I was more nervous about meeting her and getting my bow right than I have ever been before a race. I didn't know what to expect but it was a day I will never forget."

Mr Knight missed four months of this season after undergoing hip surgery but is aiming to win a fourth outdoor world title in 2012.

He is currently in France working on the development of his engine for next season with his KTM team.

Mr Knight was named in the Queen's Birthday Honours list in June along with cyclist Mark Cavendish, government official Della Fletcher and charity worker Carolyn Shipstone.