The 1982 Commonwealth Games 200m gold medallist, who coaches two of Britain's top young sprinters Dwain Chambers and Julian Golding, said the award came after a particuarly unhappy time.

"The last six months have been the worst of my life," he said.

"I sold my house and so far haven't been able to buy a new one.

"Then on 12 May I returned home from the USA after a spell of warm weather training with the boys and my father Henry died five days later.

"Things couldn't have been worse just lately and I will be dedicating my OBE to him. I feel humble such an award has been bestowed upon me."

At first, McFarlane thought the award was a practical joke organised by Chambers and Golding.

"When I got my letter earlier in the week I thought it was a wind-up from the boys," said the 41-year-old.

"I've never asked for anything in life and have always just got on with the job of coaching my athletes.

"But I must admit now with the media ringing that I know it must be true - and it has made my day"

"Honestly I never expected anything like this to happen to me.

"The letter's just been standing on my mantelpiece."

McFarlane is always remembered for his thrilling dead-heat with Alan Wells in the final of the 200m at the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane.