Second royal honour for Sir Ian

Sir Ian was knighted in 1991

Actor Sir Ian McKellen leads the Lancashire luminaries in the Queen's New Year Honours.

The 68-year-old actor, who was born in Burnley, spoke of his happiness at being made a Companion of Honour for services to drama and equality.

He said: "I am honoured to join an Order which includes such distinguished practitioners in the arts."

He was awarded a knighthood in 1991 and describes himself as "one of the very few openly gay knights".

The Oscar-nominated actor is a founder member of gay rights organisation Stonewall.

"It is particularly pleasing that 'equality' is included in my citation," he said.

Gordon Taylor is honoured for his services to sport

Former Bolton and Blackburn player Gordon Taylor, now chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association, has been appointed OBE.

He has been honoured for his services to sport.

The president of the British Cycling Federation, Michael Cookson, from Clitheroe, also became an OBE for his services to sport.

Lancashire County Council's lieutenancy team manager, Ian Johnston, has been made a Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO).

Doreen Lofthouse, chairman of her family's firm, Lofthouse of Fleetwood, which makes Fisherman's Friends, was made an OBE.

The pensioner, already appointed MBE, has been honoured for services to business and the community.

Health boss David Peat, chief executive of the East Lancashire Primary Care Trust, became an OBE for his services to the NHS.

And Harold Roberts, senior Hovercraft commander at Morecambe Lifeboat Station, was made a MBE for services to Maritime Safety.