Body Shop founder Anita Roddick was today made a dame and revealed she was in one of the world's toughest prisons when she heard the news.

The environmentalist and human rights campaigner established the Body Shop in Kensington Gardens, Brighton, in March 1976.

As one of Britain's greatest businesswomen, she oversaw its rise from a simple shop selling creams and potions to a global brand and force for promoting fair trade.

Dame Anita, who lives in Slindon, near Arundel, was awarded the title in the Queen's Birthday Honours but said when she learnt of her nomination she had just been speaking to two prisoners in a Louisiana jail whom she believed were innocent.

She said she hoped her new status would empower her to fight even harder against injustices in the world.

Dame Anita told The Argus: "I received a very official letter which asked if I was interested in the honour, yes or no, and heard nothing else since.

"When I heard, I was at the state penitentiary in Louisiana, where I had just met men who had been in solitary confinement for 25 years.

"I'm thrilled to be recognised for the work for justice, the environment and human rights.

"I hope it will radicalise me even more and make it easier to get into the belly of the beast in terms of those issues. So thank you to whoever nominated me."

Dame Anita is planning a huge celebration this weekend with her husband and two children.

She said: "My kids are going to be whistling There Is Nothing Like A Dame now."

Dame Anita, who was awarded the OBE in 1988, said she now plans to head her official website with "There's Nothing Like a Dame".