It was perhaps not his most intrepid expedition to date.

But world explorer of more than 40 years, Peter Drake, 67, yesterday travelled to collect his MBE at Buckingham Palace.

And it is was not Mr Drake’s first brush with the palace.

Last December he attended a reception with other notable explorers and adventurers, including Chris Bonington and Doug Scott.

But yesterday’s visit was more notable and saw him presented with MBE by Prince Charles.

The announcements of the honours were made in the Queen’s Birthday honours in June.

Mr Drake has travelled all over the world – Kenya, United States and South Africa to name just a few destinations.

And many of his excursions were for the Yorkshire Schools Exploring Society, some for the scouts and some for adults.

As well as once living in southern Africa, he has also led or been a member of many expeditions in different parts of the African continent.

On receiving the award he said: “I’m not sure I deserve this honour.

“I may lead the expeditions but I am just part of a team each time.

“An awful lot of people work hard to make sure they are a success”.

Mr Drake has spent more than 40 years helping to organise and lead expeditions to more than 55 countries across the world.

Many of them have been for young people – although a notable trip, from Brockholes to Beijing, saw him take a group aged from 64 to 84 on the trans-Siberian Express.

He is involved with the Royal Geographical Society and the Yorkshire Schools Exploring Society and lectures at the University of Leeds.

“It has been a fabulous career and one I still enjoy”, said Mr Drake.

BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration, who presents the Examiner Business Awards, was also at the Palace to receive his MBE.