The mother of murdered black teenager Stephen Lawrence says she accepted an OBE from the Queen in memory of her son.

Dr Doreen Lawrence was conferred the honour at Buckingham Palace yesterday, and said the award was tinged with sadness.

"I'm proud this has happened but at the same time I wish that I didn't have to be here."

"My son had to die for me to here," she said.

The honour was also given to Stephen's father Neville.

The OBEs were awarded for their services to community relations, in recognition of their search for justice in the wake of the brutal murder of Stephen.

The 18-year-old was stabbed to death in a racially motivated attack in April 1993.

No-one has been convicted of the murder.