Tweddle awarded MBE in New Year's honours list

DOUBLE world champion gymnast Beth Tweddle has been awarded an MBE in the New Year's honours list.

WINNING YEAR: Beth Tweddle claimed the world floor title and two golds at the European Championship duirng a 2009 to remember (Getty Images)

The decision caps a remarkable year for the 24-year old from Cheshire who, just over 12 months ago, returned from the Beijing Olympics after placing a heartbreaking fourth.

Tweddle, who won her first world title on uneven bars in 2006, added the floor world title to her resume in London earlier this year, making her the most successful British gymnast of all-time.

She also won double gold at the European Championships in Milan and the World Cup in Glasgow - and topped the podium twice at the World Student Games in Belgrade.

Tweddle had hinted she would retire this year to concentrate on a career in physiotherapy ,but has since changed her mind in a bid to focus on gold at the 2012 Olympics in London.

“It was a total shock.  Outside of gymnastics it’s the biggest honour I have ever received,” said Tweddle.

“My grandparents broke down in tears when I told them, which shows how much these awards mean to people.

"Hopefully I'll still be here for 2012, as long as the younger kids aren't kicking me off the team!"

Andrew Wood, the manager and head coach at the Ipswich Gymnastics Centre, has also received an MBE for his services to sport.

The 49-year old was nominated by Sport England and the news follows the decision to make the club he has pioneered a training centre for teams ahead of the 2012 Olympics.

“I love every part of the job. It is one of the biggest buzzes for me all of the time,” he told the Ipswich Evening Star.

“Sport England is using our project as a benchmark to other projects. Because of all the work we did on it, they decided to nominate me. It is a massive honour.”