One of Pam Ayres' poems was I Wish I'd Looked After My Teeth

Redmond, who also masterminded Brookside, was made a CBE for his services to drama.

Ayres, known for her popular rhymes, got an MBE for services to literature and entertainment.

She admitted she had always seen herself more as an entertainer than a literary figure.

Ayres said: "I am a good entertainer, I have made a lot of people laugh. I never really saw myself as a person producing literature, but nevertheless it is a very, very nice thing to be given."

'Important'

Liverpudlian TV writer and producer Redmond, 55, said he had previously not considered how it would feel to receive an honour.

"I suppose, like everybody, you don't take too much interest until that letter comes through the door, but I think it has become more important because you think about achieving things in your life," he said.

"But it has not just been me, it has been everybody around me.

The Shadows' Brian Bennett and Bruce Welch received OBEs

"When you get the award, you actually realise how high up in the honour system it is. It really is an extra special honour."

Also attending the ceremony were two members of The Shadows - drummer Brian Bennett and guitarist Bruce Welch - who were awarded OBEs for services to music.

Fellow Shadow Hank Marvin turned down his honour for "personal and private reasons".

Welch said: "It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to come to the palace.

"I think it would have been nice to be the three of us, but it is always a personal choice."