HONOURS OF HARDWORKS

News Years honours 2016: How to make the list

FROM THE TOPICLIFE

31/12/15

Idris Elba and Blur singer Damon Albarn are among the names you might recognise on the Queen's New Year Honours.

EastEnders star Barbara Windsor said she was "thrilled" to be made a dame for services to charity and entertainment.

A list is released twice a year. Once on the Queen's official birthday in the first weekend of June and on 31 December.

A total of 1,196 people are on it this year, but how do you get recognition?

Who can be nominated?

Image captionLuther actor Idris Elba had been given an OBE

The honours system recognises people who have made significant achievements in their life or have committed themselves to serving and helping Britain.

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They'll usually have made life better for other people or will be outstanding at what they do.

There are also civilian gallantry awards, which recognise bravery by people who have attempted to or saved the life of a British citizen who isn't a family member or close friend.

Image captionThis year's list also features two-time Tour De France winner Chris Froome who is getting an OBE

Anyone can nominate someone for an honour.

The only catch it that the person must still be actively involved in what you're nominating them for.

Who decides?

Whether a nominees gets an honour - and the honour they get - is decided by an honours committee which is made up of representatives from areas like arts and media, sport and education.

These various areas include a mix of various government departments as well as people outside of parliament.

The committee's decision go to the Prime Minister and then to the Queen, who has the final sign-off of the honours list.

What awards can you get?

There are several types of awards which are decided by the committee. They include:

Knighthood/Dame

Barbara

Image captionBarbara Windsor will become a dame

This is awarded for having a major contribution in any activity, usually at national level.

Image captionAP McCoy said he was "speechless" after he found out he was getting a knighthood

The nominee's contribution will be seen as inspirational and significant and will often be achieved requiring commitment over a long period of time.

Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Image captionImelda Staunton, who plays Professor Umbridge in Harry Potter, has been given a CBE

These are given for having a prominent role in your field at national level, or a leading role at regional level.

You can also get one for an innovative contribution to any area.

Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Image captionBlur singer Damon Albarnhas been given an OBE

This is awarded for having a major local role in any activity, including people whose work has made them known nationally in their chosen area.

Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Image captionDrum and bass star Goldie - real name Clifford Joseph Price - has received an MBE for services to music and young people

You can get one of these for "a significant achievement or outstanding service to the community".

An MBE is also awarded for local 'hands-on' service which stands out as an example to other people.

Other awards

Image captionJonjo Heuerman, 13, is the youngest person on the list

There are also various levels of awards for bravery with just over three quarters of this year's recipients people who have undertaken work in their local community.

Jonjo Heuerman, a 13-year-old from Kent, has raised more than £235,000 for Cancer Research UK's Bobby Moore Fund

He's been given a British Empire Medal and is theyoungest person on the list.

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