Dorset's Martin Clunes awarded OBE

Doc Martin star Martin Clunes has said he is "tremendously proud" after being awarded an OBE for services to drama, charity and the community in Dorset.

The actor, who shot to fame as one half of the laddish duo in Men BehavingBadly, has played roles including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in a recent ITV series and presented travel documentaries.

Born in London, he - like his character Doc Martin - lives with his family on a farm in Dorset where he supports several local causes including the county's chamber orchestra.

Speaking about the award, he said: "It's very exciting and I'm tremendouslyproud." Clunes, who is married to Doc Martin producer Philippa Braithwaite, has been making the show for more than a decade and has even picked up some medical knowledge along the way.

In 2013, he got involved when doctors said they wanted to carry out what hedescribed as a "nonsensical" operation on his wife. Speaking at the time, he said: "You have to remember that British medical dramas are obliged to be accurate. You can't just make things up as they do on American shows. So we have a medical expert on the series and I have learned about certain conditions and procedures."

He said: "She had an infection in her gall bladder and the surgeon was minded to take out her appendix. There was no infection in her appendix and instinct told me that it would be the wrong thing to do. So I took her home instead and she was treated there."