Minister for civil society Nick Hurd told a gathering of sector people last week that the newly-knighted Sir Stuart Etherington has ordered a new pair of braces depicting knights in shining armour.

Speaking from the podium at the joint summer reception of NCVO and the All Party Parliamentary Group on the Community and Voluntary Sector at the Houses of Parliament, Hurd said it was a shame the newly-knighted Sir Stuart could not attend the event.

“I understand he is resting from his labours up in Scotland," Hurd said.

“But I’m sure you’ll be interested to hear that last time I saw Sir Stuart he told me he’d already commissioned a new pair of braces with shining knights on them – no, it’s true – so next time you see him give them a twang.

“He is a great man, and I am sorry he is not here for us to register our appreciation for everything that he and the NCVO does.”

Sir Stuart was still resting from his labours this week and so was unable to confirm or deny the story.