Stars dominate honours list

If proof were needed that celebrities are the new aristocracy, the procession of showbiz stars and sporting icons named in the Queen's birthday honours list is ample.

The roll-call of big names is led by Roger Moore, 75, who receives a knighthood - the second 007 actor, with Sir Sean Connery, who can now say: "The name's Bond, Sir James Bond."

The 980 names, made public at midnight, include the actress Helen Mirren, who is made a dame, as well as the England football captain, David Beckham, and two French football managers, who are appointed OBE.

Despite appearances, Downing Street insisted that for the first time more than half the names were people without celebrity nominated by the public.

There are knighthoods for the outgoing TGWU leader, Bill Morris, Ben Gill, president of the National Farmers' Union, and Christopher Ondaatje, the publishing millionaire.

Six Britons who helped the Bali bombing victims, including the honorary consul and his brother, also received honours.