Olivia Newton-John. Photo: ReutersBritain has recognized its film-directing and cricketing stars in the New Year's honours list, with a damehood for Olivia Newton-John and knighthoods for Sam Mendes, Steve McQueen and cricketer Clive Lloyd. Honours also go to Ashes hero Ben Stokes, his captain Joe Root and footballer Jill Scott. He becomes a Knight Bachelor, awarded by the Foreign Office in recognition of outstanding service to Britain internationally and overseas. The biannual honours list is released on the Queen's official birthday in June and at the end of each year.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 27, 2019 22:30 UTC