IT was disappointing to learn that business entrepreneur Richard Branson was left out of the Queen's Birthday Honours List after being recommended for a knighthood by William Hague.

Mr Branson has created thousands of jobs and generated millions for British business and industry with his world-renowned Virgin business empire.

I, along with millions of others, am a fervent admirer of him and I believe that it if there were more hard-working, willing and dedicated businessmen such as he, this country would surely be a better and more prosperous place.

His contribution to Britain and the economy cannot be over-estimated.

If a knighthood is good enough for the likes of Sir Colin Chandler, who is bent on throwing away Rolls-Royce, part of our national heritage, then, surely, Branson's knighthood is long overdue.

SARAH WHEATCROFT, Livesey Branch Road, Livesey, Blackburn.

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