THE creator of Bob the Builder and president of Wootton Bassett Rugby Club has been fixed up with an honour from the Queen.

Peter Orton, who was the brains behind the children's TV character and last summer's children's party at Buckingham Palace, has been appointed a Commander of the Victorian Order by Her Majesty for his contribution to children's literacy.

Mr Orton founded the children's TV production company, HIT Entertainment, where Bob the Builder started his life and where Thomas The Tank Engine, Barny the Dinosaur and Pingu have their homes. He has lived on a farm in Wootton Bassett for 28 years and said he was humbled by the royal honour. "To be appointed to the Victoria Order by Her Majesty is incredibly humbling, but also incredibly exciting," he said.

The appointment follows the success of the children's party at the palace, which Mr Orton dreamt up in honour of the Queen's 80th birthday last June.

Characters from children's literature, including Paddington Bear, Postman Pat, and Noddy, attended the party in the gardens of Buckingham Palace along with more than 2,000 children.

Mr Orton came up with the idea of gathering together the characters for the first time on the same stage, after a visit by the Queen to HIT's headquarters.

On hearing about his appointment in a letter from the palace Mr Orton said: "I am a very proud man."

He had to keep the appointment secret until January 1, but Mr Orton, his wife Sue, 55, and their son Jamie, 26, have been celebrating since then at a number of parties with family and friends.

The newly appointed CVO was keen to share the honour with all those involved in children's literature in Britain. He said: "I believe that British children's writers and illustrators are among the best in the world and hope my appointment to the Victoria Order gives them recognition as well."

Mr Orton is currently fighting a long battle with cancer and has become chairman of the Head and Neck Cancer Research Trust, to help others with the disease.

He was treated at The Royal Marsden Hospital in London and since his retirement from HIT Entertainment in 2005, Mr Orton has donated half a million of his shares in HIT to the hospital in gratitude. The Order of Victoria is appointed to those who have performed a personal service for the Sovereign. Mr Orton will receive the appointment from Her Majesty on Wednesday, June 20, the anniversary of Queen Victoria's accession, at Buckingham Palace.