THE elder statesmen of music, comedy and showbusiness have been recognised on the Queen’s list for their charity work and longevity.

The longest-serving rock star on the list, Gerry Marsden, 60, made his first public appearance 47 years ago before performing a string of hits in the 1960s with Gerry and the Pacemakers.

Marsden, appointed MBE for supporting numerous charities, was said to be “over the moon” by his wife of 38 years, Pauline. “He has worked very, very hard, so he deserves it,” Mrs Marsden said.

David Gilmour, 57, Pink Floyd’s guitarist, is appointed CBE after more than 30 years of touring. Gilmour recently made headlines for philanthropic reasons after he donated the £3.6 million proceeds of the sale of his West London home to Crisis, the charity for the homeless.

The singer Sting, 51, said that he was “surprised and flattered” to be appointed CBE. “If my Mum and Dad were still here, they would be made up,” said the star, who shot to fame as lead singer of the Police in 1978. Sting, real name Gordon Sumner, has been a vigorous environmental fundraiser and human rights campaigner.

Errol Brown, the singer with Hot Chocolate, was appointed MBE for services to popular music. Brown came to Britain from Jamaica as a child with his mother in the 1950s and found fame with the band, which is best remembered for the 1970s classic You Sexy Thing, which was re-released five years ago when it featured in The Full Monty.

“I am very pleased. I’ve got a big smile on my face,” he said. “It is a nice honour for people who come from nowhere. My early days in England were very difficult, with race relations. When I became successful I felt it important to be a good model, especially for black people because they could see me and think, ‘If he can do it, then I can do it’. I hope I opened the door a little wider for others.”

Brown has toured Britain recently, as has Julian Miles Holland, better known as Jools Holland, 45, appointed OBE. He said: “I am tremendously honoured to receive this award and proud that the art of boogieing has been officially recognised. I am delighted that under the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II we have had the most peaceful and prosperous 50 years in Britain’s history and hope this will continue for another 50 years. I hope this award will be a great source of encouragement to other boogieists throughout the land.” The Scottish comic Billy Connolly, 60, who played the faithful servant to Dame Judi Dench’s Queen Victoria in the 1997 film Mrs Brown, is appointed CBE. Another comedian, Bill Oddie, 61, is appointed OBE.

One of the stars of the 1970s comedy The Goodies, Oddie was recognised for services to conservation after becoming a birdwatcher and wildlife broadcaster. The most notable name from the fashion industry, Alexander McQueen, is honoured with a CBE in the Diplomatic List. Once a humble apprentice, he is now an internationally recognised designer worth £20 million and fêted for his innovative and often shocking designs.

In the world of journalism, the Sky News presenter Bob Friend said that he was delighted to be appointed MBE.

He said: “On one royal tour I persuaded the Queen to put a radio mike in her handbag so that we could hear both sides of her conversations . . . not a big step in the scheme of things but something that gave me a great deal of satisfaction.”

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