Legendary Liverpool comedian Ken Dodd has been knighted in the New Year honours.
The 89-year-old was one of several public figures from across Merseyside to be honoured by the Queen following his 62 years in the entertainment industry.
He paid tribute to long-standing campaigners who had petitioned Downing Street to award him the accolade over many years.
“I’m absolutely delighted to receive this honour. It’s wonderful. I’m very proud, and highly tickled,” he told the Liverpool Echo.
“I’ve known for a couple of weeks and it’s been very, very difficult to keep it quiet.
“But we managed to keep tight lipped about it. It just builds up to a bigger thrill I suppose.
“I want to say thank you to all the people, particularly on Merseyside, who wished it for me. They were determined to get me a gong, and here I am.
“Lots of people wrote in to Downing Street and said would it be possible to give me a knighthood to wear in bed.”
Also knighted from the Merseyside region was James Jones, the former Bishop of Liverpool, for his work connected to the Hillsborough panel.
Wirral’s Olympic gold medalist Sam Quek will receive an OBE for her services to entertainment and charity following Team GB’s hockey win in Rio this summer.
Elsewhere, Birkenhead-born Patricia Routledge, who rose to fame as Hyacinth Bucket in 1990s sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, has been made a dame at the age of 87.
Neil Lage, chairman of Liverpool’s Heart and Chest Hospital received an MBE while two female officers from Merseyside Police were also recognised.
PCSO Sharon Broderick was named alongside Detective Inspector Sabi Kaur, the force’s first and only Sikh officer.
Also honoured were Blue Coat school teacher Keith Caulkin, Walton Centre chief Kenneth Hoskisson, Samaritans volunteer Alan Woodhouse.
Reverend Robert Nelson was another notable inclusion for his services to the homeless in the region.