New Year’s honours 2019: British sporting heroes recognised in awards

England football manager Gareth Southgate, model Twiggy and actor Michael Palin are among those that have been recognised in the New Year’s honours list.

Southgate, who led the the English team to the semi-final of the World Cup this year, has received an OBE, while Palin, who appeared in Monty Python, received a knighthood and Twiggy was made a dame.

Former England cricket captain Alastair Cook, 34, who retired from international cricket this year, was knighted.

The team of British divers who helped to rescue a young football team after they became trapped in a cave in Thailand were also recognised in the awards.

Members of the emergency services also received awards for their response to the terror attacks in London and Manchester last year.

The New Year’s honours have been awarded since Queen Victoria’s reign in the 19th century and aim to recognise not just well-known figures but those who have contributed to national life.