DELIGHTED Kidderminster golden girl Claire Cashmore was left overwhelmed as she collected her MBE from Prince Charles today (Friday, February 17).

Claire, who brought home gold and silver in the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio, made a trip to Buckingham Palace where she was presented with her medal.

The 28-year-old, who only sorted out her dress for the occasion the day before, shared her special day with mum Tina and sisters Emma and Ashling.

But Claire didn’t have time to celebrate the day too much as she had to travel up to Sheffield to compete in university championships.

She said: “It was an amazing day and it was totally overwhelming to be in the palace. It was a bit embarrassing at first because I had my rucksack with me, ready to travel to Sheffield later!

“I was very nervous – as much as I was before my races at the Paralympics! You arrive at the Palace and you go one way into a private room, while your family go another.

“They talk you through the whole procedure, about when to curtsey and to call Prince Charles ‘Your Royal Highness’.

“But it was a wonderful day and it was great to share it with my mum and my sisters. The Paralympic medals and this MBE is as much for them and everyone else who have been with me and supported me all the way.”

Claire has previously met The Queen, Princess Kate and Princes William and Harry and found Prince Charles equally knowledgeable about her achievements.

She said: “He was really nice and very personable. It was clear he knew quite a lot about everybody and what we had achieved. He also said a few personal things about me and my career which was lovely.”

She added: “Becoming an MBE hasn’t changed anything really. I have three letters after my name and it is an absolutely wonderful honour. But I’m still the same Claire as I was before.”