Tweddle, who won her first world title on uneven bars in 2006, claimed the floor world title at the O2 Arena in London in October, making her the most successful British gymnast of all-time.

She also won double gold at the European Championships in Milan and the World Cup in Glasgow - and topped the podium twice at the World Student Games in Belgrade.

Tweddle said: "It was a total shock, outside of gymnastics it’s the biggest honour I’ve received.

"My grandparents broke down in tears when I told them, which shows how much these awards mean to people.

"Hopefully I'll still be here for [london] 2012, as long as the younger kids aren't kicking me off the team."

Six-time world canoe champion Anna Hemmings, 33, who retired earlier this year, also receives an MBE.

Hemmings made two Olympic appearances but is best known for success over her sport's marathon distances.

She was told she would have to retire from elite sport in 2003 after being diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

However, she resumed training just two years later - going on to win a clean sweep of national, European and world titles.

The list of notable sports figures recognised by the Queen is headed by Ian McGeechan, the former Scotland and British Lions rugby coach who is knighted.

Sir Ian, who is also the former chairman of Sports Coach UK, said: "I am extremely proud to receive this honour.

"I have worked with some fantastic players and coaches in my career and it is a privilege to have worked with so many talented and dedicated people.

"But most of all this honour couldn't have been achieved without the backing of my wife, Judy, and my children Heather and Rob.

"Rugby has been a huge part of my life for over 40 years and to have achieved everything I have with Scotland, in club rugby and with the Lions has been an immensely rewarding and enjoyable experience."

Jean Pickering (pictured) is awarded an MBE for services to athletics and the Ron Pickering Memorial Fund, set up in memory of the former TV sports presenter Ron and which has helped hundreds of Britain's aspiring young athletes reach the top.

Pickering, the 1946 European long jump champion and the Olympic 80 metres hurdles bronze medallist in 1952, said: “I am more proud of the help we have been able to give to the sport through Ron’s memorial fund than anything I have achieved as an athlete.

“To everyone who has helped and supported me and Ron’s fund over the years, I am grateful."

Others awarded honours include Phillip Darnton, the chairman of Cycling England, who is given an OBE for services to transport.

John Derbyshire, the racing manager and performance director of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) who has overseen Britain's rise to become the most successful sailing nation in Olympic history, is also given an OBE.

Andrew Wood, the manager and head coach at the Ipswich Gymnastics Centre, has also received an MBE for his services to sport.

The 49-year old was nominated by Sport England and the news follows the decision to make the club he has pioneered a training centre for teams ahead of the 2012 Olympics.

Wood said: "I love every part of the job.
 
"It is one of the biggest buzzes for me all of the time.

"Sport England is using our project as a benchmark to other projects.

"Because of all the work we did on it, they decided to nominate me.

"It is a massive honour."

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