QUEENS HONOURS LIST: People's poet Pam Ayres has been awarded the MBE for her services to literature and entertainment.

The writer and broadcaster, who was born in Stanford in the Vale and now lives near Cirencester, has entertained audiences across the globe for almost 30 years with her unique brand of comic verse.

The simple style and everyday subject matter of her poems have made them a hit with almost everyone. Her poem I Wish I'd Looked After me Teeth, was voted into the Top Ten of a BBC poll to find the Nation's 100 Favourite Comic Poems in 1998.

The former member of the Women's Royal Air Force, who is now a keen gardener and bee keeper, rose to fame in 1975 after an appearance on Opportunity Knocks.

The 57-year-old, who lives with her husband and sons, said: "It's very nice to have a pat on the back from the people of your own country."

She also penned a four-liner on hearing of her Honour. entitled 'On being awarded the MBE':

At last they've recognised my charms,I've ordered up the Coat of Arms,Bought myself an ermine cape,

And told the kids to bow and scrape!