Arise Sir Christopher Lee

Local heroes are the chief beneficiaries of this year's austere Queen's birthday honours list, published today, with the names of politicians and bankers notably absent.

Alongside celebrities, including the golfer Nick Faldo and the Hammer horror actor Christopher Lee, who get knighthoods, three lollipop ladies, six members of lifeboat crews and a funeral director are recognised.

Christopher Lee is knighted at 87 for services to drama and charity. Most famous for his Count Dracula in the Hammer Horror movies, he has more than 250 film and TV credits. London-born Lee also played Scaramanga in the 1974 James Bond film The Man With The Golden Gun and Saruman in The Lord of the Rings.

Lee has more than 250 film and TV appearances to his name. He is still working and a representative said he was unavailable for comment on his knighthood as he was filming in New Mexico.

Thanks to `Max-Zorin` and `r_markham` for the alerts.

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