THE St Albans-based Bishop of Hertford has joined a host of stars, including television presenter Carol Vorderman, England football team manager Sven-Goran Eriksson and celebrity chef Nigella Lawson, to be recognised in the 2002 edition of Who's Who.

The Right Rev Christopher Foster, 48, of Abbey Mill Lane, St Albans, was among 1,000 new entries in the world-famous reference book this year.

His inclusion in the £125 publication, which contains potted biographies of 30,000 top achievers, is an accolade awarded by invitation only.

However, the bishop's late wife, Julia, did not live long enough to see the honour bestowed upon him.

Following her death last year, he became a single parent to his son and daughter, aged 18 and 17.

He said: "It's different being a single parent but actually they [the children] are extremely mature and good.

"It's a different situation that a lot of people have to face."

Modest in his acceptance of the award, he added: "There are 30,000 people in Who's Who it's not that exciting.

"I just think of it as a sort of directory I think all the bishops are listed."

His 12-line entry is brief, unlike that of the late Hertfordshire-based novelist Dame Barbara Cartland, who filled most of a page with her literary feats.