CBE for top-selling cookery writer Marguerite Patten

A top-selling cookery writer has become a CBE in the Queen's birthday honours.

Marguerite Patten, 94, from Brighton, in Sussex, receives the award for services to the food industry.

Her career began during World War II when she broadcast to the nation on the BBC giving helpful tips on how to make the most of limited rations.

She has had countless TV and radio shows, became an OBE for services to the "art of cookery" in 1991, and has written 170 cookery books.

Others to be honoured by the Queen in Sussex include the author, James Herbert, 67, who also lives in Brighton, and becomes an OBE for services to literature.

He is known as one of the world's top writers of thriller/horror fiction, and said he was "totally staggered and deeply honoured" at the award.

"I never ever imagined I would get one, particularly because I write horror stories and I didn't know it was particularly respected in this country."

Another recipient in the birthday honours is Paul White, who becomes an OBE for voluntary services to Hastings Coastguard rescue team.

He has been a member of HM Coastguard for 40 years, and a station officer for five, and also works as a fisherman.

On receiving the award, he said: "It all came as a bit of a surprise - but I am extremely proud to receive the honour and feel it is an excellent reflection on both HM Coastguard as a service and on the whole team at Hastings."