Three Watford-born figures have lined up alongside X Factor judge Simon Cowell in the 2011 edition of Who's Who.

Inclusion in Who's Who - which contains potted biographies of 33,000 of some of the most famous, talented and influential people in Britain and elsewhere - is by invitation only.

Those making their debut in the book, published yesterday (Monday), include Janice Graham, 42, who was born in Watford and educated at The Purcell School, now in Aldenham Road, Bushey.

She is now artistic director and leader of English Sinfonia and also leader of the English National Opera Orchestra.

Joining her is Watford-born QC and Recorder Simon Phillips, 49, who is now based in Leeds, and Harriet Baldwin, 50, Conservative MP for West Worcestershire, who was also born in the town.

Bedmond-based Dr David Docherty, 54, chairman of the Digital Television Group from Serge Hill Lane, also features.

There is also room for John Cooper, 52, a barrister, writer and broadcaster and chairman of the League Against Cruel Sports, who lives at Dairy Way, Abbots Langley.

Bushey-born Eric Wolff, 53, science leader (chemistry and past climate)of the Cambridge-based British Antarctic Survey was also invited to join the book.

Others making their debut in Who's Who are Cowell, Oscar-winning film director Danny Boyle, News at Ten newsreader Julie Etchingham and cookery writer Marguerite Patten.

Everyone in Who's Who will remain in each subsequent edition until they die, and they are invited to write their own entry about themselves, as long or short as they like.

Mr Wolff and Dr Docherty need fifteen lines each; Ms Graham wrote ten lines each; Mr Phillips's entry contains nine lines; while Harriet Baldwin's entry comprises just eight lines.

They will all remain in Who's Who until they die, when they will be automatically transferred to Who Was Who.

The 2011 edition of Who's Who is published by A & C Black, costing £200.