Former footballer and broadcaster Chris Kamara has said becoming an MBE in the King's New Year Honours was "surreal".
The 65-year-old former Middlesbrough player received the honour for services to football, anti-racism and charity.
He said he was a "big lover" of the Royal Family and he would "try to embrace" his appointment to the order.
Kamara, popularly known as Kammy, also said Lioness and fellow North East football legend Beth Mead being made an MBE was "great news".
The BBC Sounds podcast host and former Portsmouth, Swindon, Brentford, Stoke, Leeds and Luton player said he was "really proud" to have been recognised for three categories.