Authors Blackman and Donaldson made dames in UK honours list

Children's authors Malorie Blackman and Julia Donaldson have been made dames in the King's Birthday Honours, recognized for services to literature. Donaldson is best known for "The Gruffalo" (1999), with a third installment due in September; Blackman is known for the "Noughts & Crosses" series. Animators Peter Lord and David Sproxton, founders of Aardman Animations (1972), were knighted for services to the creative industries and charity. Their studio produced Wallace & Gromit, Chicken Run, and Shaun the Sheep. Actress Dame Helen Mirren and photojournalist Sir Don McCullin were made Companions of Honour, a select group limited to 65 members. Other arts honorees include actor Dexter Fletcher (OBE), former Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi (MBE), DJ Judge Jules (MBE), film score composer Patrick Doyle (CBE), and opera conductor Anthony Negus (CBE). Fashion designer David Emanuel, who made Princess Diana's wedding dress, received an MBE. Industrial designer Ron Arad was made a CBE. Stuntman David Holmes, paralyzed while working on a Harry Potter film, received an MBE for charitable work. The honours list also recognized sports figures, charity workers, and political figures.