Six-time WorldSBK king Jonathan Rea was given an OBE by the Queen for his services to motorcycling in the New Year honours.

Rea’s OBE is added to the MBE he received in 2017 and joins Joey Dunlop as recipioent of the gongs.

“I am extremely grateful and deeply honoured to receive an OBE in the Queen’s New Year Honour list,” said the Ballymena native.

“While it has come as a welcomed surprise, I am so pleased that my sport has been recognised and I am very proud to represent Northern Ireland and the UK in motorsport around the world.

“It is an amazing moment for me and my family who are always there to support me and that is reflected in the whole Kawasaki Racing Team, as well as the support from my friends and fans around the globe.

“On an international level it demonstrates that Northern Ireland is indeed the home of motorcycling.”