Earps, Hemp and Bright given gongs in New Year’s Honours list

A TRIO of England's Lionesses hit the back of the net with gongs in the New Year Honours list.

Celebrated goalkeeper Mary Earps, 30, who won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, now picks up an MBE for services to football in ­recognition of reaching the World Cup final.

Lauren Hemp, 23, gets the same gong and captain ­Millie Bright, 30, an OBE after they finished runners-up to Spain.

Millie was “gobsmacked” to learn of her gong — initially fearing the notification was a parking fine.

And Lauren said she was “very privileged and honoured”.

Keeper Peter Shilton, 74, England's most capped male player, gets a CBE for services to football and gambling prevention.

Fellow sportsmen on the list include England cricketer Stuart Broad, 37, who is also made a CBE after his summer retirement.

Ex-rugby league players Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield are also rewarded with the CBE honour for raising awareness of motor neurone disease.

Sinfield, 43, has raised millions by running seven ultramarathons in as many days.

In May, he also carried ex-teammate Burrow — who has MND — over the line after pushing him round the course of the Leeds marathon.

On the showbiz front, Dame Shirley Bassey said she was “truly humbled” to be made a Companion of Honour.

The Welsh singer, 86, was previously named a dame back in 2000.

She said: “Music has been a constant companion in my life.

“As a little girl growing up in Tiger Bay, I'd dream of travelling the world and never imagined that one day, my voice would take me to where I am now.”

Bake Off star Paul Hollywood, 57, has been made an MBE. He is honoured for services to baking and broadcasting.

Game Of Thrones actress Emilia Clarke, 37, who thought she was going to die after a brain bleed, was handed an MBE for