9am briefing: Corbett set for New Year Honour

The pint-sized Edinburgh performer, who shot to fame as one half of The Two Ronnies along with Ronnie Barker, is expected to be handed a CBE to add to the OBE he received in 1978, along with his long-term comedy partner who died in 2005.

Corbett, 81, will be told of his second honour tomorrow when the Honours list is announced.

The keen golfer has been a favourite face on British TV screens since the 1950s and, despite his years, still makes regular appearances.

Corbett, who has a retreat in East Lothian, is best known for his partnership with Ronnie Barker in The Two Ronnies, which ran from 1971 until 1987.

Corbett has been married to his wife, Anne Hart, since 1965 and the couple have two daughters, Emma and Sophie.

Earlier this year, he questioned why so many talented entertainers never received knighthoods. He cited Barker and magician Tommy Cooper as big names who should have been given them. He said he did not expect to be knighted, arguing there were others in the line before him.

• A NINE-year old boy was rushed to hospital last night after being hit by a car outside Tranent.

The youngster was taken to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children at around 6.45pm last night after being knocked down on Elphinstone Road.

It is understood he suffered suspected back and hip injuries as a result of the incident.

A spokeswoman for the Scottish Ambulance Service said his injuries were not believed to be life threatening.

Lothian and Borders Police confirmed they were investigating the road traffic accident.

• Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was assaulted in Armadale just after midnight on Wednesday.

The 35-year-old and a group of friends had walked up South Street and had just reached Bathville Cross when another man approached him and struck him in the face with a bottle, cutting his cheek. The suspect then walked off down Station Road with a woman.

The man called an ambulance and was taken to St John’s Hospital where he is still being treated.

The suspect is described as being around 6ft tall, heavy build and was wearing a red-hooded top. The woman with him was of medium build with dark hair and was wearing red/pink pyjama bottoms.

A police spokesperson said: “This man has suffered an injury which may leave a permanent scar as a result of an entirely unprovoked attack, so we would appeal for anyone with any information to contact us immediately.

Anyone with any information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.