Earps, Hemp and Bright given gongs in New Year’s Honours list

A TRIO of England's Lionesses hit the back of the net with gongs in the New Year Honours list.

Celebrated goalkeeper Mary Earps, 30, who won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, now picks up an MBE for services to football in ­recognition of reaching the World Cup final.

Lauren Hemp, 23, gets the same gong and captain ­Millie Bright, 30, an OBE after they finished runners-up to Spain.

Millie was “gobsmacked” to learn of her gong — initially fearing the notification was a parking fine.

And Lauren said she was “very privileged and honoured”.

Keeper Peter Shilton, 74, England's most capped male player, gets a CBE for services to football and gambling prevention.

Fellow sportsmen on the list include England cricketer Stuart Broad, 37, who is also made a CBE after his summer retirement.

Ex-rugby league players Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield are also rewarded with the CBE honour for raising awareness of motor neurone disease.

Sinfield, 43, has raised millions by running seven ultramarathons in as many days.

In May, he also carried ex-teammate Burrow — who has MND — over the line after pushing him round the course of the Leeds marathon.

On the showbiz front, Dame Shirley Bassey said she was “truly humbled” to be made a Companion of Honour.

The Welsh singer, 86, was previously named a dame back in 2000.

She said: “Music has been a constant companion in my life.

“As a little girl growing up in Tiger Bay, I'd dream of travelling the world and never imagined that one day, my voice would take me to where I am now.”

Bake Off star Paul Hollywood, 57, has been made an MBE. He is honoured for services to baking and broadcasting.

Game Of Thrones actress Emilia Clarke, 37, who thought she was going to die after a brain bleed, was handed an MBE for setting up a charity to help those with similar conditions.

Director Sir Ridley Scott, 86, whose movies include Gladiator, Alien, and Napoleon, becomes a Knight Grand Cross, upgrading his previous knighthood.

X Factor winner Leona Lewis, 38, is made an OBE in recognition of her work to both music and charity.

She has won seven Brit Awards and been nominated three times for a Grammy.

Radio legend Tony Blackburn described his OBE as “the icing on a very lovely cake” after six decades on-air.

The 80-year-old is honoured for services to broadcasting and charity.

DJ Steve Wright, 69, who hosted the popular Radio 2 afternoon show, is made an MBE.

TalkSport host Jeff Stelling, 68, who was also the face of Sky Sports Soccer Saturday for nearly three decades, also gets an MBE.

The widow of author Roald Dahl said she was “amazed and grateful” to be given a Damehood.

Felicity Dahl, 85, is recognised for philanthropy, literature and young people.

The theme of this year's ­honours was “selfless-giving” as individuals showed support and comfort to others.

PM Rishi Sunak said: “To all honourees, you're the pride of this country.”

Meanwhile, ex-Chancellor Sajid Javid, who is standing down at the next election, is awarded a knighthood.

And Tim Martin — boss of the JD Wetherspoon pub chain — is also made a Sir.