Popular presenter Fred Dinenage received an MBE from the Queen today and immediately described the announcement of the royal engagement as ''marvellous''.

The Meridian News anchor said the upcoming wedding was ''good news'' for the country following the investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle.

His award from the monarch recognised his services to broadcasting over a career spanning more than 45 years.

Speaking about the engagement between Prince William and Kate Middleton, Mr Dinenage said: ''I think it's marvellous news, fantastic.

''I saw the television news pictures of the prince in Helmand province on Remembrance Sunday and I just thought he was an admirable man and what a great future King he will be.''

Mr Dinenage, a Daily Echo columnist, found fame as a co-presenter on the factual children's show called How, where he and the rest of the cast would explain inventions, tricks and natural phenomena.

The show's famous catchphrase was the hosts saying ''how'' and the veteran newsman said: ''This is the icing on the cake, it really is.

''This really was an absolute thrill and finally I can say 'that's how for now'.

''The Queen was absolutely gracious and what threw me was she knew the show, which amazed me.''