Ridgway, who is approaching the end of his five-year term as Jersey's Lieutenant Governor, was honoured to be recognised for his services to the UK and Jersey.

"This knighthood was a wonderful surprise and I am very honoured to be recognised by Her Majesty in this way," he said.

"The role of Lieutenant-Governor is very much a team game and my wife Valerie has played a huge part in it.

"As a result of my honour she becomes Lady Ridgway and I think that is only right and just.

"We have enjoyed our five years in Jersey immensely and the knighthood marks a perfect end to our time here."

Ridgway's last act as Jersey's Lieutenant-Governor will be presenting trophies at the Island's first international bobsleigh push start championships, which are due to take place from June 24-26.

The competition will see many elite national bobsleigh teams competing, including the British team which includes the world junior champion Paula Walker.

There will also be an opportunity for amateurs and local athletes to compete.

Once he steps down from his role as Jersey's Lieutenant-Governor, Ridgway will continue as chairman of British Bobsleigh.

He will aim to steer the British team towards a podium position at the next Winter Olympic Games at Sochi in 2014.

He has been involved with the sport since the 1970s when his regiment, The Royal Tank Regiment, dominated the British team and in 1998 he was invited to take over as chairman of Army Bobsleigh.

The administration of the sport then merged with Army Skeleton and Luge.

He then became the first director of Army Ice Sports.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
September 2010: British Bobsleigh appoint new chairman