Dame Shirley: I'm truly humbled

DAME Shirley Bassey said it was "one of the most wonderful feelings" after being made a Companion of Honour in the King's New Year Honours list.

- Cyril Dixon

 Legends... Tony Blackburn, left, and Steve Wright

The Welsh singer, 86, was given the elite award for "conspicuous national service" following a lifetime of hits including classics such as Big Spender and Goldfinger.

Dame Shirley declared herself "truly humbled" by the honour, created by the King's great-grandfather George V.

She earned her gong alongside a roll-call of big names from showbusiness and sport.

They include Blade Runner and Napoleon director Sir Ridley Scott, who was made a Knight Grand Cross, and Paul Hollywood, handed an MBE for services to baking and broadcasting.

Veteran disc jockeys Tony Blackburn and Steve Wright were honoured for decades of service spinning records, with an OBE and MBE respectively.

England's Lionesses were rewarded for following up their 2022 Euros triumph with a run to the final of this year's World Cup in Australia. Captain Millie Bright received an OBE, while goalkeeper Mary Earps and striker Lauren Hemp both came away with MBES for services to football.

'This award is the icing on a very lovely cake'

Rugby's Sir Bill Beaumont was made Knight Grand Cross, former Stuart England cricket captain Broad became a CBE, and Peter Shilton, ex-England goalie, an OBE.

Dame Shirley, famous for her powerful voice, lavish gowns and impoverished upbringing in Cardiff's Tiger Bay, was overjoyed with her latest honour.

She said: "Music has been a constant companion in my life.