I was absolutely thrilled to see my great friend Mary Berry recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list. Mary has been awarded a much-deserved CBE and when my husband told me over breakfast on Saturday morning he added ‘about time too’, which is a sentiment I know has been echoed throughout the country.

Respected food writer Mary Berry has been awarded a CBE

Mary really is an extraordinary woman. She has written more than 70 cookbooks, which have sold millions of copies, and she is one of the very nicest people I have ever met.

She works hard for her charities and has a great deal of time for everyone. Plus, no one bakes a better cake.

I’m sure you’ll all join with me to say huge congratulations to Mary.