Beckham knighted and former county paceman Malcolm is made an OBE

AMONG well-known national figures being honoured is former England captain David Beckham, who receives a knighthood for services to sport and charity.

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Sir David Beckham said in a statement: “Growing up in east London with parents and grandparents who were so patriotic and proud to be British, I never could have imagined I would receive such a truly humbling honour. To have played for and captained my country was the greatest privilege of my career and literally a boyhood dream come true.”

Former Derbyshire and England pace bowler Devon Malcolm has been made an OBE. Malcolm joined Derbyshire in 1984 and spent 14 seasons with the county before going on to join Northamptonshire (1998-2000) and Leicestershire (2001-2003).

Other sports stars to be recognised include 1977 Wimbledon champion Virginia Wade, who has been made a CBE, while two-time Olympic triathlon champion Alistair Brownlee has become an OBE. Billy Boston becomes the first Rugby League player to ever receive a knighthood; darts player Luke Littler, currently the world number two at the age of 18, has been awarded an MBE for services to darts.

Tess Daly both receive MBEs for services to broadcasting.