Olivia Newton-John has told of her pride in her British ancestry as she is made a dame in the New Year Honours.

The singer and actress is being recognised for her services to charity, to cancer research and to entertainment.

She has had a long and varied career in music and film, but to many fans across the world she will always be Sandy from Grease.

She said: “I am extremely excited, honoured and grateful beyond words to be included with such an esteemed group of women who have received this distinguished award before me.

“Thank you to the prime minister and the main honours committee for recommending me, and of course Her Majesty the Queen for graciously approving me as Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. As a girl born in Cambridge, I am very proud of my British ancestry and so appreciative to be recognised in this way by the United Kingdom.”