2001 has been a phenomenal year for Macarthur

John Charles, once described as "the best centre-half in the world, as well as the best centre-forward", was awarded the CBE.

Ellen MacArthur's extraordinary achievements in the sport of sailing were recognised as she was named an MBE.

The 24-year-old finished second in the demanding 24,000-mile Vendee Globe single-handed around the world race before taking a thrilling victory in the Challenge Mondial race last month.

"It's a great honour for me to receive this award and I'm delighted that the sport of sailing has been recognised," she told BBC Sport Online from her Kingfisher yacht off the west coast of Brittany.

Former tennis player Christine Janes was named an MBE for her services to tennis.

When she was known as Christine Truman, she became the youngest female winner of the French Singles - now the French Open - in 1959 aged 18.

McFarlane dedicated his award to his father

Since her retirement in 1975, Truman has become a member of BBC Radio's tennis team.

Top sprinting coach Mike McFarlane received an OBE for his outstanding commitment to athletics and the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.

McFarlane, who won gold at the 200m Commonwealth Games in Brisbane, dedicated his award to his father Henry, who passed away recently.

Ian Stark's achievements in the world of equestrianism have been acknowledged with an OBE.

The 47-year-old Scot has won four Olympic silver medals in team events. His claimed his first medal in Los Angeles in 1984, with the most recent in Sydney last year.

Among the lesser known sports personalities to be honoured are Wayne Otto, Britain's most successful karate competitor.

He received an OBE for his achievements, which include five world championship gold medals.

An MBE was awarded to hockey stalwart Alison Ramsay, who has notched more than 200 appearances for Scotland and Great Britain in her prolific career.

Simon Clegg, chief executive of the British Olympic Association, was awarded an OBE for Great Britain's superb performances at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

"It was a tremendous privilege to lead the team in Sydney last year and I feel this award is shared by the many other people who contributed to Team GB's overall success," he said.

Kelly Simmons, head of the Football Association's national football development, was rewarded for her work with an MBE.