CELEBRITIES and showbiz personalities throughout Worcestershire were today congratulating each other as President Blair's New Year's honours were announced.

The President - addressing his loyal and loving people from the balcony of Number 10 Downing Street - said: "My loyal and loving people, I am addressing you from the balcony of Number 10 Downing Street.

"Using the traditional golden bodkin that usually pins the plume to Cherie's hat, I have chosen those of my subjects who will be recipients of honours.

"And it is with great pleasure that I can confirm that the county formerly known as Worcestershire, in the EU principality known as West Midlands, must be singled out for praise."

The President then read out the names of those who had been chosen. And what a roll call of the famous this has turned out to be.

Worcester city councillor Derek Prodger was the first civic dignitary to feel the point of the royal bodkin. For his unstinting work in clearing up the Faithful City, Coun Prodger is made a Man of Litters.

Often to be seen running across the rooftops of CrownGate, Huntingdon Hall deputy director Esther Blaine has been awarded a Blarney Stone set in finest flannel. This is in recognition of her vocal ingenuity in preaching the virtues of the famous raffle, a memorable half-time interlude that punctuates concerts at the hall.

Pausing only to utter her catchphrase - "ooh, missus, that woke you all up a bit, didn't it?" - the city's legendary woman in black thanked all those who had helped her career, especially her mum, dad and family pet dog Tuppence.

Meanwhile, jubilant Fire Brigades Press spokesman Alec Mackie choked on his festive Dubonnet as news of his honour came through. Mr Mackie has been made an EBE - Ember of the British Empire.

One member of the President's ruling party was less than enamoured with events. Worcester's fisherman Member of Parliament, Mike Foster, has been overlooked by his leader on this occasion. However, he will not revert to being a back-tench MP.

But, as gloom descended on the Foster household, one of his most stalwart supporters was cracking open a bottle of vegetarian champagne. "I can hardly believe it," trilled anti-blood sports campaigner Anita Knittel.

Ms Knittel has been invested with the order of the Golden Vole with Shrew Cluster for her charity work with homeless hedgehogs at the bottom of her garden.

"It's wonderful. I'm going to buy a new bike straight away," bubbled Dame Anita.

Meanwhile, former councillor Nazrul Islam receives the Guildhall Medal Without Bars.

The biggest surprise in the New Year's announcements was the award to Bishop of Worcester The Right Rev Peter Selby.

The "quiet man of religion" has been ordained with the Thomas a Becket Mitre with Cross Swords and Shields Sitting On A Fence in recognition of his steadfast refusal to break the vows of silence he took on assuming office in Worcester.

"I never ever read the Evening News, anyway," grinned Bishop Peter, speaking from the pool room at the Palace in Deansway.

Incredibly, Worcestershire's most decorated person would now appear to be George Cowley. After being awarded the Silver Quill in last year's honours, the 65-year-old Bard of Warndon woke this morning to discover that he had been elevated to the Peerage.

He will now be known as Lord Wyre Piddle, inheriting the lands granted to his ancestors at Aston Somerville by William the Conqueror.

Piddle told waiting reporters: "My family has lived in poverty for the last 900 years ever since bad King John stole the lands of Leofric de Cowleighe while he was away with Richard The Lionheart at the Crusades in 1208.

"I swear by the shaft of Leofric's broadsword that, at long last, I will now claim my rightful inheritance."

It was good news, too, for Worcester musician Pete Unwin. Obviously imbued with his great-uncle Stanley's talent for communication, the rock millionaire spoke of his delight after being informed that he would also be donning ermine.

The rock mogul - who made his fortune with chart-toppers The George Cowley Experience - said: "Our next singley will be Happy Knees Chrimbley Everlode".

Baron Unwin is married with two hamsters.

The shock announcement of the day was almost certainly the news that veteran Worcestershire landlord John Barker had been awarded the FOB - Flowers Original Bitter. He now becomes Worshipful Keeper of the Queen's Ale.

The investiture was due to take place at the Talbot Inn, Knightwick, tonight. The proceedings will be conducted by mine host Wiz Clift, attended by members of her staff dressed as wood nymphs.

It is rumoured that the newly-created Viscount Alfrick may even buy someone a drink after the ceremony has concluded.

Elsewhere, in St John's, Worcester, guitar legend "Rambling" Perry Foster becomes an OBE (Old Bald 'Ead).

The blues supremo told our arts correspondent at the Brunswick Arms: "Wa-a-a-l, it sho' is a long time since ah rode the rods and came to this-a-here town on the Severn Delta.

"But... heh-heh-heh... Lord have mercy, ah never did expect none o' this, not no ways anyhow.

"Gimme 10 fingers of Banks's and a pork chop bap if yo will, Lucille."

Mr Foster comes from Dudley.

Across the city, Councillor Mike Layland certainly won't be feeling blue today - he's been appointed Marshal of Ronks City.

The Worcester Wyatt Earp received the news from a Pony Express rider who made the arduous journey overland from Tolladine to the frontier cattle town where he has made a name for himself as the lawman who shoots first and asks questions later.

Pausing only to push a sweat-stained stetson back with the barrel of his Buntline Special, Marshal Mike squirted a jet of tobacco juice into the sidewalk and said: " Thank you, everyone.

"On behalf of the Layland family and myself, I would like to express my gratitude."

Meanwhile, the village of Grimley was rejoicing as the Camp Inn's Jim Wainwright told waiting crowds and Press that he had been made Baron Wainwright of Bevere Island.

His new coat of arms - crossed beavers, peacocks and scampi - will take pride of place over the fireplace at the renowned Worcestershire hostelry.

Finally, the Faithful City's answer to Terry Wogan - Mike George of BBC Hereford and Worcester - is awarded the Mantovani Memorial Medal.

"Fabulous. It's poptastic news. I can't wait to tell Jimmy Young," said the octogenarian spinner of platters.

Mike was nominated by his fan club, Worcester and District Evergreens Light Music Listeners' Association.