Maria Costello receives her MBE. Pic courtesy of PA Photos

Leading female racer Maria Costello had to jump on a bike to collect her MBE today at Buckingham Palace  – despite being dressed up in a short skirt.

Costello, who until this year held the record as the fastest woman around the Isle of Man TT circuit, said: ''We got stuck in traffic so my friend who works for Virgin taxi bikes took me.

''You wear an apron so my modesty was preserved. I did change my heels into flats though.''

And she added: ''I wanted to come by motorbike but not like that.”

The 32-year-old from Spratton, Northamptonshire, was awarded the MBE by Prince Charles for services to motorcycling. She said: ''The Prince said 'Did you come by motorbike?' and I said 'Yes I did'.''