London: In recognition of his contributions to British art Damien Hirst has been awarded a gold Blue Peter badge. The badge, which is given out for general excellence in any field by the longrunning BBC children's television show, is only one of a thousand others. Blue Peter was an inspiration the artist claimed in the programme, broadcast last week. Hirst said it was host John Noake's demonstration of spin art on the show in 1975 that was the inspiration behind his own spin art creations.