As always, the vast majority of honours go to members of the public, for years of dedicated hard work and service, well away from the glare of publicity.

However, the 2012 New Years Honours List also features plenty of familiar names, recognising achievement from a variety of fields.

Years of Laughter
After more than 60 years in showbusiness, actor and comedian Ronnie Corbett has been made a CBE, marking his services to entertainment and charity. The star, best-known for the iconic TV double-act The Two Ronnies (with Ronnie Barker), is one of the UK's best-loved comics.

Queens and Witches
Actress Helena Bonham Carter has been made a CBE for services to drama. Her acting abilities have been showcased through a diverse range of roles, most recently the Queen Mother in Oscar-winning The King's Speech and evil Bellatrix Lestrange in the Harry Potter films.

Literary Greats
Booker Prize-winning author Penelope Lively becomes a dame in honour of her numerous works of fiction and children's books. 
Oxford Professor of Poetry,  Professor Geoffrey Hill, is awarded a knighthood. Once described as the greatest living poet in the English language, he has received a plethora of literary prizes throughout his career.

Technology Revolution
Jonathan Ive, the man who designed Apple's iPod and iPhone, is awarded a knighthood. The Senior Vice President of Industrial Design at Apple receives the honour for services to design and enterprise.

Small Screen Success
Peter Bazalgette, one of UK television's most influential figures, receives a knighthood for services to broadcasting. As well as bringing Big Brother to our screens, he has created numerous formats for leading television shows.

A Familiar Face
Australian-born writer, critic and television presenter  Clive James receives a CBE for services to literature and media. Despite serious illness in recent years - in 2010 he was diagnosed with leukaemia, kidney failure and lung disease - James has remained a household name for many years and continues to work throughout his recovery.

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