A NUMBER of prominent Worcestershire people were today celebrating after learning they had been named in The Blair Old Year's Honours list.

The first announcements of a new system of awards to go hand-in-hand with the more familiar tradition of Queen's New Year Honours were made at midnight amid frenzied scenes as Tony Blair's royal equerry Jo Moore briefed the waiting media gathered in The Mall.

The new system was part of a campaign to give the ordinary person more of a sense of involvement in public life, said Ms Moore. Since the Blairs had left Downing Street and moved into Buckingham Palace, the royal couple were being seen as being increasingly remote. However, the new system would clarify this misconception and calm public disquiet.

The method of selection was basically the same as its lesser, but better-known honours list, said Ms Moore.

Tony uses a gold bodkin to pick out the names. He's always only worked for pin money, she smiled.

As soon as the names were announced, the precious lists were placed in despatch rider Darren Berrow's saddlebags and he immediately set off in the darkness, bound for an ice-bound Worcestershire.

The employment of a horseman is being regarded as a concession to tradition. Mr Berrow is the great-great-great-great grandson of Harvey Berrow, newspaperman and founder of the company that first published the Evening News.

Among the first recipients to hear of his honour was 64-year-old George Cowley, of Windermere Drive, Warndon. Mr Cowley receives the Jonathan Swift Medal For Literature. Mr Cowley said: On behalf of Shirley Bassey and myself, I would like to say thank you very much.

Across the city in the affluent suburbs, Worcester city councillor David Barlow woke early today and found himself once more in the limelight. Breaking into his trademark smile, he could hardly contain himself when told he was to receive The Liam Gallagher Star With Oak Leaves For Services To Music.

Mr Gallagher, aged 28-and-three-quarters, is the Blairs' cultural adviser, based at Buckingham Palace. The extremely talented performer is responsible for articulating Whitehall policies regarding the arts.

No stranger to controversy, Coun Barlow said: As you all know, I'm just a shy, retiring, humble banjo player who likes to keep himself to himself. Nevertheless, you will all be deeply honoured by this news. We have nothing to fear but fear itself. This is a great day for Worcester and the world.

Evening News weatherman Paul Damari was the next to hear that his name had been pierced by the Blair bodkin.

Paul was overjoyed when told he was to be invested with the Cross of St Swithin, a rare award that recognises major works of science fiction.

It's flipping great, said Paul. I'm going to hang it next to the old clump of seaweed in the lobby.

Meanwhile, impresario Chris Jaeger, roly-poly El Presidente" at Worcester's Huntingdon Hall, fell out of bed upon hearing Mr Berrow's arrival. Using a system of winches to enable him to reach the hall of his palatial town house, a port-seasoned Mr Jaeger opened the door to find a beaming stranger.

Well done, Mr Jaeger, said the aforesaid beaming stranger. I am commanded by His Royal Highness Tony Blair to pin this medal on your chest.

Yes, but what is it? enquired the 35-stone genius.

It's the Distinguished Service Order, awarded to those who achieve the impossible with scant resources, lack of arts grants and a complete absence of interest shown by the local council, said the beaming stranger.

Chris smiled and asked if his new friend would like to join him for a celebratory pint of advocaat. Mr Jaeger is 17.

As Malvern woke to a Christmas card scene with a light dusting of snow over the hills, former Nunnery Wood High School teacher Mike Hamilton found himself lethargically tinkling the ivories after an all-night boogie session with former members of the legendary soul band.

Tired and a little emotional, a look of irritation suddenly flashed across those famous chubby chops as he heard a knock at the door. Dash, dash and double-dash, mused our maestro who the blooming heck is it? He opened the door and found out who it was none other than Darren Berrow.

Michael Winston Horatio Hamilton, it gives me great pleasure to invest you with the Ancient Order Of The Silver Trumpet, said Berrow, once again beaming and now wearing his three-cornered hat back-to-front.

Well thanks a lot chief and awah the lads, there will be a fishy in the little dishy when the bawt cooms in", grinned the Geordie tunesmith.

Other Worcester recipients were as follows: Brian Hunt becomes a Man Of Letters by royal decree; Councillor Mike Layland receives the Victorious Cross awarded for valour displayed in the face of overwhelming odds; Seamus Kelly, of Barbourne, Worcester, is made a Keeper of the King's Musick; former Worcester Mayor Derek Prodger becomes a Knight Duckworth; Worcester MP Mike Foster receives the Reynard Star With Oak Leaves and Brush; Joe Walter, of St John's, has been elevated to the peerage and will now be known as Lord Walter of Swanpool; and Bromsgrove MP Julie Kirkbride becomes a Dome of the British Empire.

Tomorrow: The Phillpott File offers a tantalising glimpse of what lies ahead during the next 12 months. Make sure of your copy of the Evening News today.