Swimmer Luke Reeson was back in the pool within hours of returning to his home town following a spectacular week of wins and royalty.

Luke, 28, who was shot while serving in Afghanistan, scooped four medals at the Invictus games in America last week.

He returned home to Cockermouth on Monday to a hero’s welcome and then headed to Staffordshire on Tuesday to meet the Queen.

Her Majesty was unveiling a new memorial to fallen soldiers. She joined wounded veterans, army personnel and friends and family of soldiers from the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment who have lost their lives in action in the decade since its formation.

She chatted with Luke, of Kirkfell Avenue, who is a corporal in the regiment.

Luke said: “She was asking me about the games and how it went.

“I was talking to her alongside some guys in wheelchairs. She’s small, I felt huge! It was good to meet her.

“I met Prince Charles when I was in hospital and met princes William and Harry at the Invictus Games.”

Within hours of returning home on Tuesday he was back training in the pool.

He said: “I train every day, twice a day on Wednesdays and Fridays. It was good to see everyone again. They were asking me about the games and wanted to see my medals.

“They’re all used to seeing medals at this club, though, with Luke Greenbank and Edward Baxter,” added Luke, who teaches six and seven-year-olds weekly at the pool and occasionally stands in for the head coach.

Head coach Sean Baxter was delighted with Luke’s performance at the games, where he won gold in the 50m breaststroke and relay and silver in the 50m backstroke and 100m freestyle.

“I could not have a better role model in the club. He is a complete gentleman,” said Sean.

“He works really hard, he has that serviceman’s ethic in everything he does. His work ethic is exemplary. We have some outstanding junior talents, and he is a great role model for the youngsters.”

Luke is in no doubt about the importance of the Invictus Games, which will be staged again next year.

“So many people have been injured,” he said.

“You hear about the people who have died but rarely those who have been injured.

“These games are massive and so good to be part of.

“It’s such a great experience, it was great to be part of a team again.”

Luke’s girlfriend, Becca Sowerby, and sister Hannah accompanied him to Orlando.