Children's author Michael Morpurgo has received a knighthood for his services to literature.

The writer, 74, penned War Horse which went on to be the most successful play in the National Theatre's history.

Upon receiving the knighthood Mr Morpurgo reportedly joked that Joey, the hero of his seminal book, should have received the honour instead.

He started writing when he was teaching at Wickhambreaux Primary School in Canterbury, after disliking many of the things that he read to his classes.

War Horse celebrated its 10th anniversary on stage with a national tour that started at the Marlowe Theatre in October.

The Beatles' drummer Ringo Starr was also knighted at the ceremony.