Two acclaimed Wimbledon luminaries have been recognised in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours.

The list recognises the incredible achievements of extraordinary people across the UK.

Actress June Whitfield has been made a dame for her services to drama and entertainment. Born in Streatham, Ms Whitfield has lived in Wimbledon Village for more than 40 years.

She is best known for her role in sitcom Absolutely Fabulous, in which she has played Jennifer Saunders' mother since 1992, but she has worked in the industry since 1953.

The 91-year-old has had a long and successful career in musical theatre, films and numerous radio and television performances and worked with some of the biggest names in comedy, including Tony Hancock, Benny Hill, Harry H. Corbett, Ronnie Barker and one half of Morecambe and Wise, Eric Morecambe.

Former Rutlish school pupil Raymond Briggs is an illustrator, cartoonist and author, and was honoured with a CBE for his services to literature.

Born in Wimbledon, he later attended the Wimbledon School of Art to study painting. He now lives in Westmeston, East Sussex.

First published in 1978, Mr Briggs' festive picture book The Snowman is nationally treasured. Mr Briggs' graphic novel Ethel and Ernest tells the story of his parents, who lived in Ashen Grove, Wimbledon Park. The award-winning story was turned into an animated film in 2016 and illustrates London working-class life and concerns during their lifetimes, from the 1920s to 1971.

Helen Clark Bell, Chief Executive of Love Wimbledon said: “We are absolutely delighted that June Whitfield has been recognised in this years Honours list she has a long association with Wimbledon. Her first theatrical job was backstage at New Wimbledon Theatre and then three years later came back to tread the boards herself and went on to become a patron of the Wimbledon Civic Theatre Trust.

"She is also a founding patron of Wimbledon BookFest, and longstanding patron of Polka Theatre; so she is truly the Dame of Wimbledon too.

"With Raymond Briggs being recognised in the Honours list too, Wimbledon is clearly demonstrating our very strong cultural and theatrical heritage which we are delighted continues to thrive in the town.”