SIR Ian McKellen has been named the most influential gay person in Britain.

The veteran actor, who grew up in Wigan and Bolton, rocketed to the top of the Independent on Sunday's "pink list" after starring in this year's Hollywood blockbuster, The Da Vinci Code.

The 67-year-old has been an outspoken campaigner for equality and in the past told the Manchester Evening News that major Hollywood actors who pretended to be straight while living a gay double life were "sending a dreadful message to their fans".

Sir Ian heads the list ahead of Sir Elton John in second place, with EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson fifth. Charles Allen, the ITV boss who played a leading role in bringing the Commonwealth Games to Manchester in 2002, is ranked 15th, entering the list for the first time this year.

Manchester screenwriter Russell T Davies, whose revival of Doctor Who has won over audiences and critics alike, rises from 73rd last year to 18th. He burst on to the TV scene in 1999 with his controversial drama Queer as Folk - about Manchester's gay scene.

Carol Ann Duffy, the Scots-born poet who now lives in Manchester, is ranked at 38th after winning the TS Eliot prize in January for her latest collection of work.

Manchester-born fashion designer Matthew Williamson, whose creations have been worn by the likes of Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow, is at number 58.