LONDON - Beatles drummer Ringo Starr and sole surviving Bee Gee Barry Gibb were each awarded a knighthood in Britain's traditional New Year Honors, announced late on Friday.

The two music legends were joined on the prestigious annual achievement list by Golden Globe-winning actor Hugh Laurie, renowned dancer Darcey Bussell and hip-hop artist Wiley.

Lesser known recipients include 101-year-old Lt. Col. Mordaunt Cohen, honored for his services to World War II education, and Lucia Mee, 18, the youngest person rewarded, for her efforts to raise organ donation awareness.

Starr, 77 - real name Richard Starkey - became a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1965, but 52 years later has now been given a knighthood for services to music.

"It's an honor and a pleasure to be considered and acknowledged for my music and my charity work, both of which I love," he said in a brief statement released Friday.

Starr follows in the footsteps of his famous bandmate, who became Sir Paul McCartney in 1997.

McCartney told a British radio station "it's about time" Starr was knighted.

Gibb, a singer, songwriter and record producer who already held a commander (CBE) title, received his knighthood for services to music and charity.

"The magic, the glow, and the rush will last me the rest of my life," he said.

Recipients of Britain's famous honors system are chosen twice a year, on the Queen's birthday and ahead of the new year.

Anybody can nominate someone for an award to receive one of the various accolades, which range from knighthoods and CBEs honoring national or regional roles, to OBEs and MBEs aimed at more local achievements.

Recommendations are considered by one of nine expert committees spanning different specializations, from arts and media to science and technology. - AP