THE pop star formerly known as Peter Andre will now be known as the son-in-law of Ru - after his father-in-law was recognised in the New Year's Honours.

Ruaraidh MacDonagh - whose daughter's marriage to the TV personality earned him the tag Peter Andre's father-in-law - was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to healthcare provision.

Mr MacDonagh, a consultant in urology at Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital, was rewarded for his work with the Health Improvement Project Zanzibar, which he set up in 2007.

The charity took over the running of Makunduchi hospital, leasing it for ten years from the Government, and has subsequently added the hospital in Kivunge to the project.

"It means we're delivering health care to 300,000 people out of a population of around a million," said Mr MacDonagh, aged 57.

"We essentially run the hospitals using Government staff, equipment and buildings, and working with the Government.

"It's made a big difference to patient outcomes in every area. It's a real success."

The initiative, believed to be unique, involves HIPZ raising £200,000 a year - Peter Andre, a parton of the charity, is taking part in a fundraising dinner in London later this year.

Mr MacDonagh hit on the idea after spending time in Africa as a junior doctor and later spending six months in Tanzania and Zanzibar with his wife and two children.

"I've not heard of any other Government giving complete control of a hospital to a charitable organisation," he said.

"It's something I'm proud of - it's very much a team of people.

"I was surprised, but proud to get the award.

Peter Andre got to know and later marry Mr MacDonagh's daughter Emily after the surgeon operated on him at Musgrove.