West Country celebrities awarded New Year Honours

Some familiar names and faces from the West Country have been honoured by the Queen in the New Year's Honours list.

They've been recognised for literary achievements, sporting prowess, charity work or their business contributions.

War Horse author Michael Morpurgo has been knighted for services to literature and charity. Credit: PA

Children's author Michael Morpurgo from Devon has been knighted for services to literature and charity. He and his wife set up the charity Farms for City Children to give inner city children an experience of the countryside.

The 74-year-old storyteller says he will "give" his knighthood to the equine star of perhaps his most famous book, War Horse.

Bristol artist Richard Long with one of his works at the Tate Gallery in 1989. Credit: PA

Bristolian sculptor Richard Long has been knighted for services to art. The 72-year-old land artist won the Turner Prize in 1989 for his work "White Water Line". He lives and works in Bristol where he was born.

A person walks over Richard Long's White Water Line, which won the 1989 Turner Prize. Credit: PA

The author Jilly Cooper, who's from Stroud in Gloucestershire, has been made a Commander of the British Empire (CBE).

Keen race-goer and author Jilly Cooper has been made a CBE. Credit: PA

The former journalist came to fame with a series of romantic novels known as The Rutshire Chronicles - readers will recognise the likes of Riders and Polo from the best-seller shelves.

The 80-year-old has been recognised for services to literature andcharity. ITV West Country asked Mrs Cooper her reaction when she heard the news.

One of the highlights of 2017 was England's world cup win in the cricket. Two West Country women played a huge part.

England cricketers Heather Knight (L) and Anya Shrubsole (R) have both been honoured. Credit: PA

Captain Heather Knight from Plymouth has been made an OBE while Bath's Anya Shrubsole has been made an MBE for her bowling achievements.

Heather Knight said she was "blown away" to receive the massive honour.

Bristol's Ed Morrison was referee during the 1995 Rugby World Cup final in South Africa, Credit: EMPICS

Ed Morrison, England's first full-time professional rugby union referee, also collects an OBE.

Morrison - who lives in Bristol - took charge of the 1995 World Cup final when South Africa defeated New Zealand after extra time in Johannesburg.

PR guru Lynne Franks with Tom Watson MP campaigning against sexual violence against women and children. Credit: PA

The PR guru Lynne Franks - who inspired TV's Absolutely Fabulous - has been awarded an OBE. Ms Franks, who lives in Wincanton in Somerset, has been honoured for services to Business, Fashion and Women'sEmpowerment.

Julia McKenzie (L), seen here at an awards ceremony in 1998, will now be heading to an awards ceremony at the Palace. Credit: PA

Devon actor, director and singer Julia McKenzie has been awarded a CBE for services to drama. She will be a familiar face to many for her role as Miss Marple and she also starred in the sitcom Fresh Fields.

Cornish celebrity chef Rick Stein has been recognised for services to the economy. Credit: PA

And the celebrity chef and restaurateur Rick Stein has also been made a CBE - not actually for his culinary feats but for services to the economy.

The chef's famous cafe in Padstow has become a landmark of the Cornish fishing port, which was already popular with tourists.

Rick Stein's cafe in Padstow is popular with visitors to the Cornish port. Credit: PA