Rock legend Rick Wakeman, who now lives on the Shotley peninsula, has been honoured in the Queen's Birthday list, announced today

Musician, presenter and author Rick was made a Commander of the British Empire for services to music and broadcasting.

The former keyboard player with Yes and the Strawbs, has gone on to have a glittering solo career is still working on projects, despite recently celebrating his 72nd birthday.

Rick took to Twitter to thank everyone who sent their congratulations and added: "When the letter first arrived I had to read it three times as I was sure it was about someone else."

Commander of the Order of the British Empire, the CBE is the highest ranking Order of the British Empire award (excluding a knighthood/damehood), followed by OBE and then MBE.

[I]See What's On locally here...[I]