Northamptonshire athletes named in King's Birthday Honours List
Two former Northamptonshire athletes are set to receive awards.
Last updated 15th Jun 2024
Two former Northamptonshire athletes have been recognised as part of the King's Birthday Honours List, released on Friday night (14th June).
Jenny Bott has been recognised for her services to gymnastics.
Ms Bott is a former rhythmic gymnast, who set up a Rhythmic programme of committees and squads, training coaches and judges before taking the first British Rhythmic Group to the World Championships in Madrid.
Anita Neil will receive an MBE for services to athletics.
Anita is a retired British international sprinter who in 1968, became the first black British female Olympian.
She raced in the 100m and 4x100 relay in both Mexico City and at Munich 1972 before retiring from sport aged just 23.
Team Gb say she remains an active member of the athletics community where she inspires young people to embrace active lifestyles.
Dozens of other people from around the country have been recognised.
They include ex Southampton manager and TV pundit, Graeme Souness, who has been awarded a CBE for services to association football and charity.
People to the west of Northampton can see a fly over by the Red Arrows this afternoon.
The Kings Birthday flyover will take in areas of the East on route to the capital and Buckingham Palace at 1pm.
They'll then head towards Northamptonshire and be over East Haddon after that at twenty past one.
Alan Bates has been knighted in recognition of his campaigning work highlighting the Post Office Horizon scandal.
Strictly's Amy Dowden has accepted being made an MBE for her services to Crohn's disease "on behalf" of all those who live with the inflammatory bowel disease.
Actress Imelda Staunton and fashion accessories designer Anya Hindmarch were made dames in the list
The highest award went to Gordon Brown who was made a Companion of Honour,
Artist Tracey Emin was made a Dame alongside Imelda Staunton. Dame Tracey, who is known for her autobiographical and confessional artwork, said: "Dame Tracey has a good ring to it. I'm very, very happy. Another brilliant surprise in my life."
Countdown's lexicographer Susie Dent was given an MBE, as was singer Rebecca Ferguson
Duran Duran singer Simon Le Bon said being made an MBE was "incredible" and "totally unexpected".
He added: "These last few years have been some of the most important in Duran Duran's career, and this is a bright but humbling highlight as our journey continues."
Founding member of M People, as well as a successful solo artist, Heather Small has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King's Birthday Honours for her voluntary and charitable services.
Soap star Shobna Gulati has become a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to the cultural industries.
Cycling sprint star Mark Cavendish, 39, who is on the overseas list under his Isle of Man address, said he was "truly humbled" to be knighted.