Midlands London 2012 honours

Louis Smith hinted it could be some time before he returns to competitive gymnastics after receiving his MBE from the Queen at Buckingham Palace today.

The 23-year-old won team bronze and pommel horse silver at the 2012 Olympic Games.

However, Smith does not appear to be in any rush to return to the gym full-time and win more accolades.

He wants to concentrate on visiting schools to encourage children to get involved in the sport.

He said: "As athletes, we have a big responsibility to keep the legacy (of the London Olympics) going. I'm starting to take a step back from the entertainment side and move into charity and school work."

He revealed the Queen said: "Here's another one to add to your collection," when presenting him with his honours award.

Olympic gymnast Louis Smith has tweeted about being awarded with an MBE this afternoon.

The Olympic gymnast Louis Smith has received his Member of the British Empire (MBE) medal in an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Read: Louis forgets Buckingham Palace invite

Louis Smith has tweeted this photo of himself "chilling" with his MBE:

Read: Louis Smith: I think MBE is frozen to my hand

Gymnast Louis Smith will join fellow Olympians today at Buckingham Palace to receive an MBE.

After winning a silver and bronze medal in the London 2012 Olympics, he said being chosen for the honour was the proudest moment of his life.

Read: British men's gymnast team qualify for Olympic finals for first time in 88 years

Following the Olympics, Smith won BBC dance series Strictly Come Dancing.

Read: Louis Smith crowned king of Strictly Come Dancing

British Amateur Boxing Association performance director Rob McCracken, credited for Team GB's haul of five boxing medals at London 2012, will today receive an MBE from the Queen.

Read: Team GB boxing coach backs Nicola Adams to shine