THE dad of East Lancashire World Cup hero, Will Greenwood, has told of the proud moment when he watched his son being awarded the MBE by the Queen.

Richard Greenwood, who accompanied Will to Buckingham Palace, together with wife Susan and Will's wife and son, Caro and Archie, said: "I am so proud, what a smashing day. We are so pleased for him.

"I didn't quite cry. But the hairs were standing on the back of my neck.

Dressed smartly in coat tails and waistcoat, 31 year-old Will joined the 30-strong England squad, led by Jonny Wilkinson, who was given an OBE, to receive their accolades at the Palace yesterday.

The entire championship squad who were victorious over Australia in the final of the Rugby World Cup in November 2003 - with the exception of former captain Martin Johnson who was abroad - turned out with their families for a day to remember.

Will, a former Stonyhurst College pupil, whose family still live in Hurst Green, was joined by other East Lancashire players, including Iain Balshaw from Blackburn, Paul Grayson, from Chorley and fellow Stonyhurst pupil Kyran Bracken.

Richard added: "There were smiling people everywhere. And the palace is stunning, every single wall is either gold plated or with a fantastic portrait or picture.

Will, who lives near Wimbledon with Caro and Archie, was said to be "quite cool" when he saw the Queen.

Richard said: "Will and the lads didn't seem to nervous they all seemed quite cool. The Queen's face lit up when she saw the lads. We had never seen such an athletic bunch of young men."