Sir Van The Man

The 69-year-old, Belfast-born singer, who has been recognised for his long career and his services to music, said it was “a huge honour.”

English traditional music was also celebrated in the Birthday Honours as musician, songwriter and bandleader Ashley Hutchings was made an MBE for his services to folk music.

Born in London but now living in Derbyshire, 70-year-old Hutchings was the driving force behind several famous bands including Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span and the Albion Band.

These groups enlivened the folk scene by introducing rock instruments thereby opening up traditional music to a new and younger audience.

Hutchings said: “I’m obviously very proud of this honour but it’s England’s musical tradition that’s being recognised as much as me.”