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An Olympic sailing legend who was born and raised in Macclesfield has been awarded a knighthood.

Four-time gold medallist Ben Ainslie received the honour from Princess Anne at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Ben won a gold medal in the Finn class at London 2012 last summer, his fourth gold in as many Olympic games.

It made him Britain’s most successful ever Olympic sailor.

He has since retired from Olympic competition to focus on trying to win the prestigious Americas Cup.

However he has been given the highest possible honour in recognition of his contribution to the sport.

He was joined at the historic ceremony in London by his parents Roddy and Sue, as well as his nephew Oscar Pels, eight.

Afterwards he tweeted: “Thanks for all the kind messages regarding yesterday at Buck palace.

“Was great be around so many hard-working inspiring people.”

A row erupted last year following his stunning victory after the council left him off a list of locally based stars to be offered freedom of the borough.

They originally claimed his links to the town weren’t strong enough.

Ben was born at Macclesfield hospital and was raised in the town, with his first experience of sailing coming on Redesmere Lake in Siddington.

The former Terra Nova school pupil then moved to Cornwall aged eight to further his career but still has family members living in the town.

He was eventually given the title after calls from the Express and town leaders to honour him.

In an exclusive interview with the Express after the games, he said: “I’m really proud to have been born in Macclesfield and I have a lot of fond memories so it’s a really nice feeling to know everyone remembers me and was rooting for me.”