IT is right that we honour those who make significant contributions to their country.

But the honours system has become increasingly devalued in the recent past and is now in urgent need of the fundamental review due to take place next month, aimed at making it more independent and transparent.

Secret documents leaked last week, showing that Tim Henman was being recommended for an OBE to "add interest" to the list, and that Professor Colin Blakemore was being excluded because of his "controversial" work on vivisection, underline the cynicism with which the honours are now widely viewed.

The Government stands accused of abusing the process by dishing out awards for reasons other than merit. It is far from a new accusation, but one given credence by the leaks.

But, despite the protestations of Tory deputy leader Michael Ancram, this is not a subject for party political point-scoring. Both Labour and Tory governments have been guilty of cronyism and political expediency when it comes to the honours and it is high time it stopped.

For the sake of those who truly deserve to be honoured by their country, awards must be meaningful and more selective, not pats on the back for obedient civil servants, cheque book-wielding party supporters and celebrities chosen simply to add a touch more glitz.

Let us see the army of volunteers who give their time and energy so selflessly to an enormous range of good causes form a greater proportion of future honours lists.

So many areas of public life would grind to a halt without them and they are the real unsung heroes who deserve to be placed on a pedestal.

And let's face it, if "adding interest" means having to resort to a tennis player who is yet to win anything of any great note, then we really are finding it a struggle.