Gary Barlow, Kate Winslet, Kenneth Branagh, and the designer behind Kate Middleton's wedding dress are among those set to be recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

The list showcases the best of British talent, with awards also going to actresses Jenny Agutter and Amanda Redman, and chart-topping choirmaster Gareth Malone.

Branagh's knighthood left his heart "fit to burst" while Winslet said her CBE made her "very proud to be a Brit".

Meanwhile, sporting excellence is recognised with gongs for golf world number one Luke Donald as well as former Wales rugby international Shane Williams and former England goalkeeper David James.

The 2012 list also sees the revival of the "working-class gong", the British Empire Medal (BEM), which was revived by David Cameron after being scrapped by John Major in 1991. Over 290 are due to be awarded.

The return of the medal has allowed the honours system to step up its recognition of service to local communities and the Big Society, the head of the Civil Service said.

Sir Bob Kerslake, who chairs the main honours committee, said: "Essentially, what we are trying to do is recognise people who have made a real contribution to their communities and to society.

"What the reintroduction of the BEM has done is help us extend the reach of the honours system by rewarding hands-on service to local communities."