'I shall treasure it': Dame Jacqueline Wilson reacts to New Year's honour

Novelist Dame Jacqueline Wilson has been made Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire in the 2024 New Year's honours list.

She told BBC Breakfast she was "absolutely amazed" to receive the recognition and would "treasure it".

The author, best known for the Tracy Beaker series, published her debut novel in 1972 and has written over 100 books since.

She first received an honour in 2008, when she was made Dame Commander of the British Empire. Her latest honour is the highest of its kind.

The 79-year-old told Breakfast it was "fantastic" that her work may have "introduced children to the joys of reading".