Gary Barlow to receive OBE

Gary Barlow is to receive an OBE.

The Take That star is said to have been ''surprised'' by the news that Britain's Queen Elizabeth wants to bestow the order of chivalry on him in recognition of his efforts for her Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

A source told The Sun newspaper: ''The Queen was delighted with Gary Barlow's brilliant work and dedication. She made it clear he should be rewarded at the first available opportunity.

''Mr Barlow was told of Her Majesty's offer a few weeks ago. He was quite surprised, but he has accepted it.''

The 41-year-old singer had spent over a year organising a star-studded concert at Buckingham Palace as part of the jubilee celebrations - with performers including Stevie Wonder, Sir Paul McCartney, Robbie Williams and Dame Shirley Bassey - and also toured the commonwealth to record 'Sing', a track he co-wrote with Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber to mark the occasion.

Gary's OBE is expected to be officially announced next weekend with the release of the queen's birthday honours list.

Following Gary's recent work, fans had started a twitter campaign for him to receive a knighthood and his fellow judges on 'The X Factor' had even jokingly begun calling him Sir.

A programme source said: '''The audience erupted into applause when Gary was introduced as 'Sir Gary' when the judges walked on stage and began to take their seats.

''He was jokingly knighted by the warm-up man while Louis Walsh, sporting a new haircut, started calling him Sir Gary, too. The crowd then got behind him, chanting, 'Get Gary knighted!''

Photo: Gary Barlow (BANG Showbiz)