Broadcaster and comedian Don Maclean has been invested as a Papal Knight of one of the Roman Catholic Church's most prestigious orders.The showbusiness veteran, who starred in the 1970s TV hits Crackerjack and The Black and White Minstrel Show, received the honour at a special Mass in Shirley, near Solihull, West Midlands.
More than 400 people, including fellow comedian Jasper Carrott, attended the 90-minute service, which saw Maclean made a Knight of the Pontifical Equestrian Order of Pope St Sylvester.
During the Mass, Maclean was presented with the order's sword by The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Birmingham, the Most Reverend Bernard Longley.
Peter Jennings, Press Secretary to the Archbishop of Birmingham and to the Archdiocese of Birmingham, said: "The award is conferred on men who are actively involved in the life of the Catholic Church, particularly those who have used their profession to further the Catholic faith."