The King’s first Birthday Honours list has been issued with former footballer Ian Wright and fashion editor Dame Anna Wintour among those recognised.

Other well-known faces being given honours include the television presenter Davina McCall and the Line of Duty actor Vicky McClure.

The highest award, Companion of Honour, has been given to the Booker Prize-winning author Sir Ian McEwan and Professor Sir John Bell, who played a prominent role in the pandemic, as well as Dame Anna.

Sir Ian said he was “delighted” with the honour: “I guess it amounts to a really good review. I’m now entering my 54th year of writing fiction. As all dedicated writers know, a literary life is not a career so much as a way of being.”

Late author Martin Amis was also knighted the day before his death last month, according to the list.

Meanwhile, former England and Arsenal footballer Ian Wright was made an OBE for his services to football and charity.

MI6 chief Sir Richard Moore and Labour former minister Sir Ben Bradshaw were knighted and Conservative MPs John Baron, Bob Blackman, Damian Collins and Heather Wheeler were also recognised.

Those behind the selection say more than half of the recipients are people who have shown “outstanding work” in their communities, continuing the coronation theme of helping out and service.

MBE recipient ready to help Nottingham attack families

Among those awarded an MBE is Suzanne Richards, who helped families bereaved by murder and terrorism.

She set up the charity Smile for Joel after her son, her brother and her father were all killed in the 2015 Tunisia terror attack.

“Never in a world of Sundays did I think I would get anything like this, but it is bittersweet you know… there’s a reason why obviously I’ve received this,” she said.

Suzanne says she is already poised to help the families affected by the Nottingham attacks: “When I heard the news it brought tears to my eyes. Just knowing what the families are going through… but we will be here to support.

“It’s early days but when they’re ready we’ll help them in any way we can.”

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Another of those given an MBE is Dr Alice Good, who helped set up the group Sunflower Sisters, which supports Ukrainian citizens. As well as delivering aid to Ukraine, the organisation also helps women and families who have moved to the UK.

“I’m not here just to get the honour for myself, I’m here to represent Sunflower Sisters and everyone who’s been involved from the start. It’s really captured the public’s attention and a lot of people are passionate about this,” she said.

An 18-year-old recipient

The youngest recipient is 18-year-old Junior Jay Frood, who has been awarded a British Empire Medal for services to vulnerable children.

As well as fundraising, Junior is a dancer who campaigns against bullying using the hashtag “Boys Can Dance”. He also appeared on this year’s Britain’s Got Talent where he was given the ‘golden buzzer’ by Simon Cowell.

“It means so much, it just shows all the hard work I do is being noticed, and my voice has been heard, and people are hearing me. And it just feels crazy that I’m the youngest, I’m so honoured to receive this award,” Junior said.

Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden said: “This year’s honours list is a testament to ordinary people who have demonstrated extraordinary community spirit, and I pay tribute to all those who have been recognised today.”

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