Nick Faldo and Christopher Lee: Received knighthood

Nick Faldo and Christopher Lee: Received knighthood

Golf legend Nick Faldo and veteran horror actor Christopher Lee were both made knights in Queen Elizabeth II's birthday honors list that was released on Saturday.

Hairdresser Vidal Sassoon, actors Jonathan Pryce and Alan Cumming, television chef Delia Smith,  fashion designer Jeff Banks and poet Andrew Motion were also amongst  the 984 people from celebrities to housewives who are going to received the honor.

In the world of sport, rugby union's Alastair Hignell, cricketer Graeme Hick, England women's cricket captain Charlotte Edwards and world championship-winning badminton player Gail Emms also would receive awards.

Honours lists are released on New Year's Day and in mid-June on the queen's official birthday. The honours reward people from all walks of life for services to their community.

Fifty one year old Faldo, the former world number one, grabbed 6 majors during a glittering career that made him one of the most successful European golfers ever. Famously single-minded, he won three Opens and three US Masters championships.

"I was delighted to hear the news that I will be receiving a knighthood and am more than a little bit humbled to have been afforded this great honour," added the new Sir Nick.

Famous Japanese classical pianist Mitsuko Uchida, who lives in London, was made a dame, the female equivalent of a knighthood.

Eighty seven year old Christopher Lee has spent his career terrifying cinema-goers.

Apart from making appearances  in classic horror films such as 1958's "Dracula" and 1959's "The Mummy", Sir Christopher also played memorable baddie Scaramanga in the 1974 James Bond classic "The Man With The Golden Gun".

In recent years he portrayed as Saruman in "The Lord Of The Rings" trilogy and Count Dooku in the "Star Wars" prequels.

Famous designer and television presenter Banks was also given a CBE.

"It's good for the fashion industry, which does not get many awards like this. It's really lovely that we should get recognised," added  Banks.