CHESS genius Nigel Short's mum thought he was joking when he dropped the news of his MBE into their conversation.

Nigel (pictured with his daughter Kyveli), now lives in Athens. He rang his mum, Jean Donohue, at her home in Leigh and the pair spent most of their time chatting about his youngest brother Jonathan's recent house move before Nigel casually added: "Oh, by the way I have got an MBE."

Mrs Donahue thought he was joking at first.

Leigh-born Nigel, who is off to the world championships in Las Vegas next month, was Britain's number one player for 13 years and has been honoured in recognition for his dedication and achievements in the game.

The 34-year-old was first taught chess by his dad, journalist David, and by the time he was seven was beating senior players.

In 1993, the Grand Master faced his biggest challenge - taking on Russian Garry Kasparov in a World Chess Championship at the Savoy Hotel in London.

More than 500 journalists from around the world followed the games, with daily coverage on national television.

He lost but remains the only British chess player this century to qualify for the championship finals.

There was some consolation afterwards when he was given an honorary fellowship by Bolton Institute.

These days the player lives with his Greek wife Rea, a clinical psychologist with her own practice in Athens, and their children, seven-year-old Kyveli and six-month-old Nicholas.

Jean said: "All the family is so proud that his years of hard work have been recognised in this way.

"Kyveli shows an interest in what Nigel does, but I don't think she'll be following in his footsteps. She has never been pressurised into playing the game."

And a wheelchair sporting - and charity - champion has been awarded the MBE. And former Leigh man Ray gainer is delighted.

Tennis ace, Ray, 39, who was born with spina bifida has worked endlessly for local charities, raising thousands of pounds.

Six years ago he hit the headlines when with a friend they completed a 500 mile marathon, pushing themselves from the Eiffel Tower in France to Blackpool Tower, to raise funds for Mere Oaks School, Standish, where they were pupils.

And later his work and will to overcome his handicap won him the honour of being the subject of TV's This is Your Life.

Ray now works with the young disabled.

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