ARISE SIR IDRIS

Entertainment and sports stars lead the list of awardees

- by ANDREW JAMESON

LUTHER star Idris Elba has been made a knight in the New Year's Honours list.

The Hollywood actor has been recognised alongside ice dancers Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, who are made dame and knight, and Goodness Gracious Me Star Meera Syal, who also becomes a dame.

England's victorious women's football and rugby teams are also to receive gongs.

Sir Idris, 53, known for his roles in The Wire and Luther, is knighted for services to young people, having founded the Elba Hope Foundation, which supports community empowerment, education, youth advocacy and sustainable development.

He said: "I receive this honour on behalf of the many young people whose talent, ambition and resilience has driven the work of the Elba Hope Foundation.

"I hope we can do more to draw attention to the responsibility we all share to help them find an alternative to violence."