Welsh stars of sport and showbusiness have received recognition in the New Year's honours.

Singer Shirley Bassey becomes a Dame, while singer-comedian Max Boyce and Wales rugby star Neil Jennkins become MBE.

World hurdles record holder Colin Jackson received an OBE.

Paralympic gold medallist Tanni Grey-Thompson has also been honoured for her sporting achievements.

She has broken over 20 world records on the track, won five Paralympic gold medals and five World championship golds.

In 1998 she was appointed as a member of the United Kingdom Sports Council.

Earlier this year, the Cardiff-born 29-year-old married fellow wheelchair athlete Ian Thompson at Saint John's Church in the city.

Welsh opera star Dennis O'Neill has been awarded a CBE.

A regular of the Welsh National Opera, the tenor is currently one of Wales's best-known opera singers.

Last year he was a last-minute stand-in at a concert during the European Summit when baritone Bryn Terfel had to cancel due to illness.

Greeted with joy

Meanwhile, the news that Elizabeth Taylor is to be made a Dame has been greeted with joy by the younger brother of her former husband, Richard Burton.

Graham Jenkins, 72, said he would be writing to personally congratulate the double Oscar-winning actress, whom he still considers his sister-in-law.

"I am thrilled. If I had been honoured myself I wouldn't feel any better," he said from his Port Talbot home.

"I will be getting in touch with the rest of the family to let them know."