Gary Lightbody and Aaron Hughes to receive New Year Honours

Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody and former Northern Ireland international footballer have both been named in the New Year Honours List.

Lightbody, 43, from Bangor, has been recognised with an OBE for his services to music and charity.

His band's 2006 hit 'Chasing Cars' saw them reach global stardom, as it became the most-played song on radio this century.

He's also been heralded for the work of the Lightbody Foundation.

It was established in 2019 to support charities in Northern Ireland dealing with issues like mental health, depression and youth engagement.

Close friend Davy Matchett, 44, said: "He does it because he is a good man.

"He does not have to but he sees the value in it. He loves Belfast, he loves Northern Ireland, he loves home, he loves people and he loves doing what he can to bring about positive change.''

Aaron Hughes has received an MBE for his services to Football.

The recently retired defender enjoyed a Northern Ireland career that spanned 20 years, as he racked up 112 caps for his country.

Undoubtedly the highlight of his 2 decades in green was playing the full match as they beat Ukraine 2-0 at Euro 2016.