Knighthood for Reading's Madejski

Sir John took over as Reading chairman in 1990

Reading Football Club chairman John Madejski has been knighted in the Queen's New Year Honours list.

He has been recognised for his charity projects such as the John Madejski Art Gallery and the John Madejski Academy, of which he is the private sponsor.

He took over as the Royals' chairman in 1990 and oversaw the construction of the 25,000 all-seater Madejski Stadium.

Others honoured from across Berkshire include Olympic gold medallist Zac Purchase, who becomes an MBE.

Berkshire's chief fire officer, Iain Cox, is awarded the Queen's Fire Service Medal.

Sir John led Reading into the top flight for the first time in their 135-year history.

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He said: "Obviously it's a great honour and I feel very privileged.

"Everybody knows that I'm committed to the community of Reading in many ways and this is a manifestation of that.

"But you see anything is possible and I would like to offer that as a beacon of hope to young people today.

"My only disappointment is that my mother passed away one-and-a-half years ago and didn't see me get this."

Meanwhile Peregrine Andrew Morny Cavendish, The Duke of Devonshire, is named a Knight of the Royal Victorian Order.

The order honours those who have personally served the Royal Family. Sir Peregrine is the Queen's representative at Ascot.

Others recognised in Berkshire include GP Dr James Alan Harvard Cave, who is made an OBE for his services to healthcare.

Patricia Bird is made an MBE for voluntary services for her work with Hexham Community Association.