Victoria Pendleton, Laura Trott and Greg Rutherford in honours

Laura Trott won gold in the women's team pursuit and the omnium

Seven Olympic gold medallists from Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire have been recognised in the New Year Honours list.

Stotfold's Victoria Pendleton, who won a second cycling gold medal at the 2012 Games, has been appointed CBE.

Double gold medal-winning cyclist Laura Trott, of Broxbourne, was made an OBE.

Bedford canoeist Etienne Stott, Milton Keynes' long jumper Greg Rutherford and Watford boxer Anthony Joshua were all made MBEs.

Hertfordshire showjumper Benjamin Maher, who won gold in the team showjumping, was also appointed MBE.

Pendleton, who retired after London 2012, won gold in the women's keirin and silver in the sprint, adding to the gold she won in the sprint at the Beijing Games in 2008.

Trott won the omnium and team pursuit in the Olympic Velodrome,

Viking Kayak Club's Stott won the C2 canoe slalom with Tim Baillie at the Lee Valley White Water Centre and Greg Rutherford took gold in the Olympic Stadium on Super Saturday.

Greg Rutherford won gold in the long jump at London 2012

Joshua ensured a golden end to London 2012 with victory in his super-heavyweight bout on the final day of competition, beating Italian Roberto Cammarelle to win GB's 29th gold medal of the Games.

Other Olympians appointed MBEs include Buckinghamshire's Pamela Relph and Naomi Riches, who raced in the mixed coxed four at the Paralympic Games.

Among others honoured were Julie Mudd, head teacher of Ivel Valley Special School, who became an OBE for services to education and Det Supt Nigel Stone, of Bedfordshire Police, appointed MBE for services to policing.

Watford Grammar School for Girls head teacher Helen Hyde became a dame for services to education and the former chief executive of Hertfordshire County Council, Caroline Tapster, was appointed CBE for services to local government.

Jane White, a volunteer at Hitchin Citizens' Advice Bureau was appointed MBE for services to the community, while John Stoddard and Deborah Fensome are given the same honour in relation to Letchworth and Harpenden respectively.