Queen honours for Rushdie and Botham

Salman Rushdie has said he was "thrilled and humbled" after being awarded a knighthood in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

The controversial novelist spent years underground after an Iranian fatwa was issued for his death, followed the release of his fourth novel, The Satanic Verses. It provoked riots from radical Muslims when it was published in 1988.

He is honoured along with legendary cricketer Ian Botham, Dame Edna Everage's creator Barry Humphries, former Soviet Spy Oleg Gordievsky and fundraiser and terminal cancer sufferer Jane Tomlinson.

While Botham receives a knighthood for his glittering career, he's also been recognised for his long-distance walking campaigns which have raised millions for charity.

Other sporting names in the list include Manchester United's Ryan Giggs, West Ham striker Teddy Sheringham and Terry Griffiths, the retired Welsh snooker player. Despite weeks of speculation, David Beckham hasn't been tapped for a knighthood.

Further honours go to Last Of The Summer wine actor Peter Sallis, Sylvia Syms, rock star Joe Cocker, TV historian David Starkey - once described as "the rudest man in Britain" - and hairdresser to the stars Nicky Clarke.

Cancer victim Jane Tomlinson is awarded a CBE to join her MBE, for her energetic campaigning and fund-raising for cancer charities.

There is also a CBE for Michael Eavis, the creator of Glastonbury Festival, as well as OBEs for Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, one of the most successful TV writing partnerships in Britain.

They are responsible for the classics The Likely Lads, Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?, Porridge and Auf Wiedersehen, Pet.

The list features an array of stars from the world of sports, showbiz, fashion, and the arts, as well as "ordinary people" recognised for their charity efforts.

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