ROD STEWART - ROYAL HONOUR FOR ROD STEWART

Rocker ROD STEWART has been made a Commander Of The British Empire (CBE) by QUEEN ELIZABETH II in her New Year Honours list. The singer said he was "overjoyed" at the award when he received the news at his home in Palm Springs, California. He said, "It's a great honour. Although I'm living in California, I'm very proud to be British." The 61-year-old boasts more than 200 million record sales to his name and six chart number ones including MAGGIE MAY, SAILING and DO YA THINK I'M SEXY?. Other music stars on the royal list include deaf percussionist EVELYN GLENNIE, who becomes a Dame, and blind jazz pianist GEORGE SHEARING, who receives a knighthood. HOUSE star HUGH LAURIE is also celebrating - he was awarded an Order Of The British Empire (OBE) for his glittering acting career. THE COOK, THE THIEF, HIS WIFE + HER LOVER director PETER GREENAWAY picks up a CBE.