Pratchett, Plant honoured by Queen

Terry Pratchett, Robert Plant and Michael Sheen are among the famous figures to be recognised by the Queen in the New Year's honours List.

Author Pratchett, who has sold 55 million books worldwide, said that he was "totally astonished" to be honoured with a knighthood.

"There are times when phrases such as 'totally astonished' just don't do the job," he said. "I am of course delighted and honoured and, needless to say, flabbergasted."

Plant has been awarded a CBE for services to music, having shot to fame as the lead singer of Led Zeppelin as well as carved out a successful solo career.

Frost/Nixon star Michael Sheen has also been awarded a CBE and described himself as "thrilled and slightly mystified". The 39-year-old, who portrayed former Prime Minister Tony Blair in TV drama The Deal and 2006's The Queen, added that it would be "nice to meet the real Queen at last".

Other performers to be honoured include jazz musician Courtney Pine (CBE), Royle Family actress Liz Smith (MBE) and Dragons' Den entrepreneur Peter Jones (CBE).