Top names star in Britain's New Year Honours

Mo Farah. Photo / AP

Olympic stars Andy Murray, Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis-Hill are recognised in Britain's New Year Honours list which also includes big names from the entertainment world.

Rio 2016 men's tennis champion Murray and double gold-winning athlete Farah receive knighthoods, and heptathlete Ennis-Hill becomes a dame.

A host of Paralympians also receive honours, including 11-times gold medallist dressage rider Lee Pearson who receives a knighthood.

Farah called it a "dream come true" for a boy who had arrived in the UK from war-torn Somalia at the age of eight unable to speak English.

From the world of music, The Kinks frontman Ray Davies and opera singer Bryn Terfel receive knighthoods. So too does actor Mark Rylance, the Wolf Hall and Bridge of Spies star recognised for services to the theatre.

Patricia Routledge, best known as Hyacinth Bucket in TV's Keeping Up Appearances, is made a dame for services to theatre and charity.

Davies, 72, said his initial reaction had been "a mixture of surprise, humility, joy and a bit embarrassed", but "after thinking about it, I accept this for my family and fans as well as everyone who has inspired me to write".

Routledge was "very surprised indeed but very pleased that the honour pertains to theatre".

Veteran comic Ken Dodd was "highly tickled" to receive a knighthood at the age of 89.

Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour is made a dame for services to fashion and journalism. She said she "was very touched to be honoured by a country I care about so deeply".

Patricia Routledge. Photo / Getty Images

A total of 1197 people are on the list, with almost three-quarters recognised for work in their community.

This year sees the greatest proportion of black, Asian and minority ethnic recipients - 9.3 per cent - in the history of the Order of the British Empire.

Women make up just over half of those honoured.

Sir Roger Bannister - the first man to break the four-minute mile in 1954 - is made a Companion of Honour for services to sport at the age of 87.

Among thespians to be named OBE are Bond actress Naomie Harris, Helen McCrory and Tim Pigott-Smith.

Veteran broadcaster Angela Rippon was appointed CBE for her work in dementia care and Victoria Beckham is appointed OBE for services to the fashion industry - 13 years after her footballer husband David received the same honour.