BOXER
Ricky Hatton is among the elite group of sports stars to receive gongs in the New Year's Honours.
The Hitman, from Hattersley, has been awarded an MBE in recognition of his skills in the ring - and his charity work in the community.
But he has been unable to celebrate too much as he is training hard for his light welterweight title fight against Juan Urango in Las Vegas on January 20.
He said: "When I first laced on the gloves, I never thought I would become a world champion, let alone receive an MBE from the Queen.
"It's the sort of thing you never think will happen in your wildest dreams, and it is one of the greatest achievements of my life.
"I am proud of the MBE, because it is just as important to be a world champion outside the ring, supporting local projects and charities, as it is to be one inside the ring.
"It will certainly be scarier having the Queen standing in front of me than Kostya Tszyu."
Hatton beat Tszyu to win the world title in 2005.
Businessman
Nick Hopkinson still can't quite believe he has been given an MBE for services to Bolton Lads and Girls Club.
He said he has struggled to keep his news a secret over the past month.
Youth club
It's almost 20 years since Nick first got involved with what is today the biggest youth club in Britain. Now aged 46, and living in Great Budworth, Cheshire, the father-of-three still works tirelessly to raise the é8m a year needed to keep the centre going.
He runs fundraising dinners, auctions and boxing matches, persuades people to run marathons and take part in cycling races and oversees applications to the Lottery and other funds. The club works with more than 3,500 boys and girls from all sections of the community, including youth offenders and excluded pupils and disabled children.
Special girls-only sessions take place every Sunday to include the local Asian population. The centre is open every night except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day, and costs just 40p per session to attend.
Nick, who by day runs his own distribution firm and is married to Lesley, said: "I am still shocked and have no idea who nominated me for this award. It has been difficult to keep quiet."
Other local winners included successful businessman and former Burnley and Bolton Wanderers star
Paul Fletcher, who received an OBE. And former Football Association executive director
David Davies has also been awarded an OBE. Mr Davies, from Wilmslow, was a presenter on the BBC's North West Tonight programme and worked as a political correspondent for the BBC before he joined the FA.
England and Liverpool footballer
Steven Gerrard said he was `thrilled and honoured' after being awarded an MBE, while Ryder Cup golf captain
Ian Woosnam has been awarded an OBE.
World Equestrian Games gold medallist and BBC Sports Personality of the Year
Zara Phillips - daughter of Princess Anne - receives an MBE, while Welsh rugby union legend
Gareth Edwards has been awarded a CBE.
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I have looked after Ricky Hatton at book signings,not that he needs looking after but there you go.He is a true gent and i am pleased for him that he has recived an MBE.It just goes to show that through the charity work that he does,he is not only a world champion inside the ring but also outside of it.Good Luck with your next fight Ricky.....do us proud.
Oh i forgot to say,thanks for signing the gloves for me.My sons got them for Chrismas and were well chuffed showing them off to their enviouse mates.They are now displayed proudly in thier bedrooms and will never be put on ebay like many others who are just interested in the money.Once again,many thanks and Good Luck.
At long last we have a deserving winner of the highest recognition. Ricky is a great lad, a credit to himself, his family and the North West.
I'm an Ambulance officer with a private ambulance cover, and have met Ricky on a number of occasions over the years when providing cover at various competitions. He always takes the time to come and thank the crews for being there for the competitors and the fans.
Well done Ricky, and here's to your future successes.
Again, what a load of rubbish. Getting an award for thumping people in the face??? This country is drunk with celebrity obsessions.
Well done Ricky, we are behind you all the way on your fantastic success. You should be sports personality of the year, saw you on TV and you were a tonic to watch. Knock Out.
NIce to see that the sports community are getting awards, stands to reason with this government suggesting recipients,
I didn't see DC Stephen Oakes name amongst the awards though? Oh sorry, that's right! we can give cricketers and boxers awards but not a policeman who saved his colleagues whilst struggling with an armed terrorist?
This government has shown its true colours, time for them to go.
As Ive said before no sportsman should be awarded in this way whatever they have done. What ever next an award for a shoe polisher.... oh right they did that too.