THE Beatles’ Ringo Starr and Bee Gees co-founder Barry Gibb have been awarded knighthoods in the New Year Honours, alongside political figures including former Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg.

Starr was recognised for services to music, while Gibb was also recognised for his services to charity. He dedicated the honour to his late brothers and former bandmates and said: “The magic, the glow, and the rush will last me the rest of my life.”

The musicians are joined on the list by Strictly Come Dancing judge Darcey Bussell, 48, who said she was “truly humbled” to become a dame for services to dance, and War Horse author Michael Morpurgo, who is knighted for services to literature and charity.

Morpurgo, 74, who previously received an OBE, said he had Joey, the equine character from the 1982 children’s book which became a hit international play, to thank for his knighthood.

He said: “There was never a knight that has owed so much to his horse as this one – and in fact, we will give the knighthood to Joey and call him Sir Joey.”

Gibb, 71, the last surviving member of the Bee Gees, said he was “deeply honoured, humbled, and very proud” to be recognised, adding: “This is a moment in life to be treasured and never forgotten.

“I want to acknowledge how responsible my brothers are for this honour – it is as much theirs as it is mine.”

Also among the 1,123 people honoured is 80s star and self-described “maverick” Marc Almond, who receives an OBE for services to arts and culture.

The 60-year-old, who had hits including Tainted Love with electric duo Soft Cell, said he was “totally excited” to be recognised, adding: “I can’t really be a rebel any more. I think it’s time to leave it to younger people.”

Breakfast TV veteran Eamonn Holmes, 58, who is also awarded an OBE for services to broadcasting, said it was a “wonderful accolade. It’s like getting a gold star for your homework - 2018 will be my 38th year as a broadcaster and I can’t think of a better way of marking that.”