Ellen given dame honour at palace

MacArthur has become the youngest person to receive a damehood

Record-breaking solo yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur has become the youngest person to receive a damehood, at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

MacArthur, 28, from the Isle of Wight, received her honour for services to sailing, after becoming the fastest person to sail solo around the world.

She crossed the finish line off France on 8 February after a 71-day epic trip.

Dame Ellen now has her sights on other sailing firsts and wants to use her new status to further environmental causes.

These include working with the Prince of Wales to try to save albatrosses from extinction.

MacArthur said that it was "absolutely incredible" to receive the award at Buckingham Palace.

But she added that being a dame would not change her and she was quick to acknowledge the role her crew back home had played in her round-the-world voyage.

"I'm very honoured but I don't want to become a different person because of a medal," she said.

"Maybe I'll put it in the office because I think it is the entire team that deserves this, not just me."