Arise Sir Trevor

Knight of the bongs: Sir Trevor McDonald

Newscaster Trevor McDonald has been knighted by the Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace - and told of his surprise at becoming Sir Trevor.

I was born in a little backwater in Trinidad in the Caribbean and never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be knighted

Sir Trevor McDonald

The ITN presenter was honoured by the Prince after 26 years as one of the UK's most well-known television journalists.

He said: "It was an amazing surprise and the shock still hasn't worn off. To be honest, I don't know why me. But it's nice when you're recognised for something you do.

"I was born in a little backwater in Trinidad in the Caribbean and never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be knighted."

Sir Trevor, 60, was the final presenter of ITV's News At Ten when it was axed in March, and now fronts the ITV Evening News bulletin.

He also presents the weekly Tonight programme, as well as a chat show on the digital channel ITV2.

The Prince complimented Sir Trevor on his work for ITN.

"He was commending me on all the work I've done over the years, and very nicely I must say," he said.

With his sons Tim and Jack, and wife Josephine

"The Prince said he hoped I would continue for some time to come, and I would like to go on some more.

"I shall continue to do what I do for as long as it's felt I can do it."

Sir Trevor had little formal education but read widely and refined his English by listening to the BBC World Service, which is where he got his first job in the UK in 1969.

Four years later, he joined ITN, becoming the company's first black reporter. He became the sole presenter of News At Ten in 1992.

Despite his popularity in the UK, he is still proud of his Caribbean roots.

He said: "I've just come back from a few days in Trinidad and people there have reacted well to the knighthood, so it's what about the honour means to others."

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh were carrying out engagements in Scotland.