British actors collect their OBEs

Coltrane and Staunton will appear together in the next Potter film

British actors Robbie Coltrane and Imelda Staunton have been presented with OBEs by the Queen.

Coltrane, 55, described his investiture at Buckingham Palace as "an honour", joking that it was "the first award where I didn't have to make a speech".

"It's not as if it's something I ever thought I would get," said Vera Drake star Staunton, who, like Coltrane, was honoured for services to drama.

Jazz musician John Dankworth received a knighthood at the same ceremony.

Both Coltrane and Staunton - shortly to appear together in the fifth instalment of the Harry Potter franchise - played down the achievements that brought them their honours.

John Dankworth was knighted by the Queen for services to music

"Once you've been doing anything for 25 years people start to notice you," joked Coltrane, best known for his role in TV drama Cracker.

"It was a great shock," said Staunton, 50. "When I got it I thought: 'Why have I got that?'

"I've held down a job for 30 years and it's good for a profession that people don't last in."

Sir John Dankworth played his saxophone outside the Palace after receiving his knighthood for services to music.

The 78-year-old - who was accompanied by his wife Dame Cleo Laine, son Alec and daughter Jacqui - has been a mainstay of the British jazz scene for more than 50 years.