The actress Barbara Windsor has said she is "so very honoured, proud and extremely humbled" to be awarded a damehood in the New Year's Honours.

Ms Windsor, best known latterly for her role as Peggy Mitchell in popular soap opera Eastenders, joined fellow actors Idris Elba, David Oyelowo and James Nesbitt in the honours list.

Elba said receiving an OBE made him "beyond proud".

Actress Sian Phillips is also made a dame, while Imelda Staunton receives a CBE, and actors Oyelowo and Nesbitt received OBEs.

Windsor, who first appeared on stage at the age of 13 before rising to fame in the Carry On films, has been recognised for services to charity and entertainment.

She said: "For a girl from the East End born into a working class family and an evacuee during World War Two, this is truly like a dream. I am so happy and blessed to say it's real."

After achieving fame in cult crime drama The Wire, Elba has gone on to star in blockbusters such as Prometheus and took the lead as Nelson Mandela in the biographical film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.

Blur frontman Damon Albarn has been awarded an OBE for services to music.

Screenwriter and playwright Peter Morgan said he was "delighted and proud" to receive a CBE.

The man behind Helen Mirren's portrayal of Elizabeth II in 2006's The Queen and in 2013's award-winning play The Audience has accepted the honour for services to drama.

Sherlock executive producer Beryl Vertue said she was "chuffed to bits" to be awarded a CBE.