Staff's family delighted by MBE

Staff was made ambassador for sport by Ashford in October

Olympic cycling champion Jamie Staff was as excited to be awarded an MBE as he was winning his gold medal in Beijing, his parents have said.

Ashford-born Staff, 35, was part of the men's sprint team that claimed gold at the Games in Beijing this summer.

His mother, Chris Staff, told BBC Radio Kent: "It's a great honour and he knows that. He is as excited about this as he was his when he won his gold medal.

"He is really looking forward to receiving his MBE."

She added: "We were absolutely thrilled about his gold medal but an MBE is what your country awards you for services to cycling and it's absolutely great.

"Jamie's not one of the higher-profile cyclists but he's worked extremely hard and all the time he's thinking he's got to win for his team-mates and it's wonderful that all his efforts have been rewarded."

Jamie's father, Alan, said: "I can't believe it. It's a nice completion for a lifetime of hard work."