LET'S GIVE MORE GONGS TO OUR UNSUNG HEROES

COMMON sense tsar Esther McVey has called for the breaking down of more barriers in the awarding of gongs.

- Martyn Brown and Cyril Dixon

The Cabinet minister argues that honours lists can be made "even more representative" - and is asking for the public's help to discover "extraordinary and deserving unknown heroes": who might have gone unnoticed.

TV presenter and writer Ms McVey also wants a greater variety of people from "more walks of life" involved in deciding who best should receive an honour.

Her call came as famous faces from the worlds of sport and entertainment were rewarded in the King's New Year honours alongside often unknown but extraordinary charity workers, community stalwarts and tireless fundraisers.

There are gongs for Lionesses' keeper Mary Earps, for rugby league MND charity fundraiser Rob Burrow and for cricket hero Stuart Broad.

While showbiz stars who pick up honours include singing legend Dame Shirley Bassey, veteran radio DJ Tony Blackburn plus broadcaster and Daily Express columnist James Whale.

Writing in the Express today, Ms McVey, left, says future award lists must be more representative of "our entire, brilliant country and all the extraordinary people in it".

A Barnardo's child, the minister urges people to nominate someone special next year, saying: "I want to see more people from more walks of life reading those applications and helping recommend who is honoured."