The Holme Valley celebrates a knighthood for Roy Clarke
The Holme Valley is celebrating the news that Roy Clarke has been awarded a knighthood in the King’s New Year Honours List 2026, in recognition of services to entertainment.
Sir Roy is one of Britain’s most prolific television comedy writers and is the creator of Last of the Summer Wine, which was set and filmed in and around Holmfirth and ran from 1973 to 2010. The programme is widely recognised for its exceptional longevity and is often cited as the longest-running sitcom in the UK, as well as the longest-running uninterrupted sitcom in the world.
Sir Roy’s writing career spans more than fifty years and also includes Open All Hours, Still Open All Hours and Keeping Up Appearances. His contribution to British television comedy has been described as unprecedented for a single writer.
With Last of the Summer Wine, Sir Roy helped bring international attention to Holmfirth and the wider Holme Valley for nearly four decades, creating a cultural legacy that continues to shape the town’s identity and visitor appeal.
Holme Valley Parish Council congratulates Sir Roy Clarke on this richly deserved honour and joins residents and audiences around the world in celebrating his extraordinary contribution to entertainment.