MORE than 1000 people in the UK have been included on this year's New Year Honours list, ranging from politicians, musicians and actors to senior diplomats and elite sports stars.
These honours are given to people who make outstanding contributions to their community and the country.
The honours are awarded by the King, after receiving recommendations from the prime minister and senior government ministers. The public can also put forward people they believe deserve recognition and these nominations usually make up about a quarter of the recommendations.
Here are the ranks in descending order, as well as some of the people being honoured.
Companions of Honour (CH)
The Order of the Companions of Honour was founded on June 4, 1917 by George V and is limited to 65 members at any one time. Appointments go to those who have made a long-standing contribution to arts, science, medicine or government.
One has been named in the latest list – Dame Shirley Bassey DBE (below) becomes the 64th living member in recognition of her services to music during her long career which has seen her sell more than 135 million records.
Grand Cross (GBE)
The Grand Cross is the highest class in many of the Orders.
Rugby great Sir Bill Beaumont, film director Sir Ridley Scott and Royal Academy of Engineering president and Principal at the University of Strathclyde Professor Sir James McDonald are named on the latest list, along with politician Dame Margaret Beckett and Dame Carol Black, who advises the Government on combating drugs.
Order of the Bath (GCB/KCB/DCB/CB)
This award recognises the work of senior military officials and civil servants.
There is no Knight Grand Cross (GCB) in the New Year Honours, but former director of public prosecutions Max Hill becomes Knight Commander (KCB) along with Lieutenant General Robert Magowan, with Lieutenant General Sharon Nesmith becoming Dame Commander (DCB). Eleven civilians and six military figures are made Companions (CB).
Order of St Michael and St George (Knight/GCMG/KCMG/DCMG/CMG)
This recognises service in a foreign country or in relation to foreign and Commonwealth affairs, such as the work of diplomats overseas.
Knighthood and damehood (Knight/DBE)
These are usually bestowed on people who have made a major contribution at national level, who can use the titles Dame and Sir.
Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis and Wetherspoons boss Tim Martin (below) are among those knighted, and there are damehoods for author Jilly Cooper and MP Siobhain McDonagh.
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
People are recognised with this honour if they have a prominent but lesser role at national level or a leading role at regional level.
It also goes to those who make a distinguished, innovative contribution to any area.
Writer Kate Mosse, lyricist Don Black, who penned the words for Dame Shirley’s Bond theme Diamonds Are Forever, and England cricketer Stuart Broad were among the 106 people made a CBE.
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
People are made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire if they have a major local role in any activity, including people whose work has made them known nationally.
Among the 236 honoured in this way in the latest list are radio DJ Tony Blackburn, Lioness Millie Bright and former cricketer Marcus Trescothick, for his work as a mental health ambassador.
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
This rank recognises outstanding achievements or service to the community with a significant long-term impact.
A total of 460 people were made Members of the Order of the British Empire in the latest list, including Lionesses goalkeeper Mary Earps (below), sports presenter Hazel Irvine and online safety campaigner Ian Russell.
British Empire Medal (BEM)
The BEM was reintroduced in 2012 by then-prime minister David Cameron as part of his bid to make the honours system “classless”, saying too few people making a difference in their areas were made MBEs.
The medal goes to 377 people in the New Year Honours.
