Have the right people been recognised in the New Year honours?

THE honours system has fallen into disrepute and should be abolished or changed radically. Honours should be bestowed on those who go the extra mile and not be given to individuals for doing nothing more than their well-paid job. Why do civil and public servants, politicians, singers, actors, sports people and business leaders dominate the awards? Because political leaders use them to reward their mates.

GEOFF HAMMOND, Ormskirk, Lancs.

THE surgeon who saved my life and that of many other heart patients is more deserving of a knighthood than that failed politician Nick Clegg.

ALEX LEED, Hartlepool, Co. Durham.

I APOLOGISE to those who deserve their award, but I would not want to be on the same honours list as Nick Clegg.

ALAN CAUVAIN, Hornchurch, Essex.

TWO years ago, I nominated for an honour someone who, for 50 years, has devoted all his leisure time to helping others. I received a phone call during which I was asked: ‘How many people would be pleased if an award was granted?’ The New Year honours includes knighthoods for a former politician who reneged on his promises, an expat millionaire drummer, a pollster who predicted a correct election result, the surviving member of a pop group and some MPs who just happen to be involved with HS2 — but not the person I nominated.

Name and address supplied.

WHY did Eamonn Holmes get an OBE for services to broadcasting? Isn’t he just doing his job? You never hear of people getting an honour for services to plumbing or welding.

DAVID J. WHITE, Basingstoke, Hants.

ONCE again entertainers are awarded knighthoods, but dambuster Johnny Johnson has only an MBE. Speaks volumes about our distorted values.

RON BARNES, King’s Lynn, Norfolk.

AFTER 60 years in showbusiness, still no knighthood for Tommy Steele.

M. L. WILLIAMS, Totton, Hants.

AFTER 40 years working on the oxo account, why hasn’t a gravy lover in high places nominated my husband for a knighthood for services to the nation’s shepherd’s pies? They must all be Bisto lovers.

Mrs E. HAWORTH, Blackburn, Lancs.