A restaurant manager who once delivered Michelin-starred food to the Queen in the back of an old Fiat has been awarded a knighthood by the Italian Government.

Director and general manager of the Waterside Inn, Diego Masciaga, said he was 'shocked' to receive an Order of Merit to the Italian Republic because he has no idea who nominated him.

The 48-year-old, who has worked at the Ferry Road restaurant in Bray for 26 years, was awarded the accolade by the Italian president Giorgio Napolitano but had it delivered to his parents' house in Oleggio in North Italy where he grew up.

He said: "My mum is so proud so I asked for the award to be delivered to her although I hope to meet the president one day.

"I don't really know who nominated me but I think it's because of all the work I do with young Italians in the catering industry."

The father-of-two, who lives with his wife Kerry in Harvest Hill Road, began working as a waiter in Italy aged 12 before attending catering school. He has worked in restaurants across the world as well as training royal butlers but said one of the most memorable moments of his career happened in Bray.

"In 1994 the royal family was due to dine at the restaurant to celebrate the Queen's birthday," he said.

"But the press were waiting outside so Prince Edward called to ask if we could deliver dinner to Frogmore House. We didn't have a van so we had to put all of the food into the back of my old Fiat to drive it there. Her Majesty now calls me by my first name, my mum was really proud when I told her that."

But despite catering for dozens of A-list celebrities, including two Hollywood actors who dined at the restaurant last week, Mr Masciaga said the most important aspect of his job is helping to train young people, many who come from Italy and France, and preparing them for the future.