New Year Honours: Leeds Rhinos' Jamie Peacock made MBE

Image caption, Jamie Peacock is being recognised for his services to the sport

Leeds Rhinos star and England captain Jamie Peacock has been appointed MBE in the Queen's New Year Honours.

The 34-year-old prop-forward has spent his entire professional career playing in West Yorkshire, first for the Bradford Bulls and since 2006 for Leeds.

He said he was pleased that the game of rugby league had received recognition.

The award was dedicated to "every player I played alongside, and every coach I had," he said.

Peacock said he was looking forward to receiving the honour and added: "It will be a great day for myself and my family as well when we go down there.

"It's a special thing to do and not many people have done it."

Other people recognised in the New Year Honours include Irma Verslyn Heyliger, chair of the Leeds Black Achievers Wings Award.

She was appointed OBE for services to black and minority communities in the city.

Professor Peter Buckley of the University of Leeds becomes an OBE for services to higher education and international business research.

Detective Chief Superintendent Andrew Brennan and PC Geeta Rani Lota of West Yorkshire Police have been awarded the Queen's Police Medal.

Also on the list is Wakefield councillor and West Yorkshire Police Authority chairman Mark Burns-Williamson. who has been appointed OBE for services to the community in Castleford.