MARTIN Clunes received an OBE for services to drama, charity and the community of Dorset.

Mr Clunes said it was particularly special to have his ties with Dorset recognised: "I love living in Dorset and because it was a choice I made to live there, so I've invested my heart and soul in living there.

"To know that that registers in some way is nice."

Mr Clunes has met the Queen previously and said anyone who kept horses "knows" her.

He said: "We've spoken before and she just asked if this was for my work as the president of the British Horse society - which it isn't."

The Doc Martin actor found out about the award after receiving a "big brown envelope" marked as being from the Lord Chamberlain's Office.

He said: "I slid it across to my wife because I thought it might be a speeding fine. Luckily it wasn't."

Mr Clunes joked that he would love to find an event where he could wear his medal "legitimately, without looking like a show off".

He said: "If I'm feeling sad or scared I might put my medal on at home and feel a bit better."

His advice to young actors was a message of persistence: "It's nothing that serious - dressing up and pratting around - just keep at it if you want to do it."