GOLD medal-winning diver Jack Laugher has been presented with his MBE by Prince Charles following his performance at last summer’s Rio Olympics.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird was made a dame for services to women and equality, while former Newcastle and Sunderland headteacher Philomena Marshall, from Durham, was made an OBE for services to education.

The diver from Ripon came out on top after a seamless performance in the synchronised 3m springboard with Chris Mears, and went on to win a silver in the men’s individual 3m springboard. Laugher said he had never felt nerves as extreme in his life.

“It was fantastic, and something that I’ll remember for the rest of my life,” he said, adding: “It’s nice having Chris here as well.

“It was nice that we could do it together. I would be a lot more nervous without him.”

Recalling his encounter with Charles, Laugher said: “He actually made a joke, and said ‘oh, the real gymnasts are coming now’.”