Barnsley author surprised by Birthday Honour from Queen

Joanne Harris at her home at Almondbury, Huddersfield. Picture by Simon Hulme

The Barnsley-born novelist said she was “surprised” when she was told about her gong.

Harris is among a host of Yorkshire personalties in today’s honours list, which also sees BBC Look North’s long-serving presenter Harry Gration recognised.

Others given nods include Richard Mantle, general director of Opera North, and Barnsley council leader Stephen Houghton.

Celebrities on the list included singer Adele, 25, whose recognition with an MBE crowns an astonishing few months which have seen her conquer the world of music, land an Oscar and become a mother.

Actor and presenter Tony Robinson, famous for his role as Baldrick in the Blackadder series, trumps co-star Rowan Atkinson with a knighthood for public and political service.

Also among the national  figures recognised for their  work is transvestite artist  and former Turner Prize  winner Grayson Perry, Welsh comic Rob Brydon and  singer turned presenter Aled Jones.

Veteran actress Claire Bloom has been made a CBE.

Bloom, who is still working at 82 and who played Queen Mary in The King’s Speech, said she was “thrilled”, but all her years in the limelight would not stop her being nervous at the palace. She added: “How could I be otherwise?”