Ben McPartland SOME of Hampstead and Highgate's most famous names have joined several more unfamiliar residents on the Queen s Birthday honours list this year. Esteemed actor Jonathan Pryce, who lives in Hampstead, was awarded a CBE along with fellow star

Ben McPartland

SOME of Hampstead and Highgate's most famous names have joined several more unfamiliar residents on the Queen's Birthday honours list this year.

Esteemed actor Jonathan Pryce, who lives in Hampstead, was awarded a CBE along with fellow star of the screen and stage Lindsay Duncan.

And former Poet Laureate Andrew Motion, of Camden Town, was honoured with a knighthood for his services to literature.

Mr Pryce, formally of Jacksons Lane in Highgate, was only left with 24 hours to decide whether to accept his new title after a letter from Buckingham Palace was lost in the post.

Speaking to the Ham&High he said: "I had to make my mind up overnight. But I am very pleased.

"I overcame my ambiguity over these titles as soon as I was offered it. It's very nice. I have had lots of congratulatory cards and texts from friends."

Mr Pryce received his first letter with his new title from Peter Hain MP, the Secretary of State for Wales, and he is now looking forward to his big day at Buckingham Palace.

"I was hoping the Queen would come out to me but I don't think that happens," he said.

The knighthood was also given to a less starry name, Paul Ennals CBE, who is chief executive of National Children's Bureau.

Other recipients include Dr Mary Piper of Hampstead, a senior public health adviser who was granted a CBE.

June Jacobs of Kentish Town was awarded a CBE for services to human rights and to inter-faith relations. Dean James, of Camden Town, who is chief operating officer at the Department for Work and Pensions, was granted the same title for public and voluntary service.

Dr Philippa Russell of Highgate was awarded the Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her work with disabled children, young people and family carers. Annie Mullins from Camden Mews, celebrated with champagne after being awarded an OBE for her services to children and young people.

Ms Mullins, who worked for the Home Secretary's task force on Child Protection on the Internet, said: "I only found out on Saturday when it was announced in the media. We had a great party with friends and the people I had been working with."

Last year Ms Mullins helped bring together internet and media companies like Google with the police and the government to discuss child safety on the net.

She said: "It was a big achievement to get them together and I think the industry is at a point where it wants to do the right thing."

Henry Cyril Grunwald QC of Child's Hill was also awarded the OBE for services to the Jewish community and inter faith relations. Professor Graham John Zellick, chairman of the Criminal Cases Review Commission was given a CBE for services to the administration of justice.

In Haringey, Muswell Hill actress Sue Johnston was given an OBE for her services to drama and charity.

Ms Johnston is famous for her roles in Brookside, Waking the Dead and The Royle Family. She is also respected for her role as the patron of Haringey Shed - an all inclusive theatre company.

Speaking from China, where she is filming a documentary, Ms Johnston said: "I am delighted, flattered and honoured.