A 13-year-old fundraiser, a 90-year-old philanthropist and a Hollywood actor have been named in the New Year’s Honours list.

Hammers fan Jonjo Heuerman, who has raised nearly £250,000 for the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK, is the youngest person to be awarded the British Empire Medal.

The youngster has taken on a number of cycling and walking challenges, covering thousands of miles, after his grandmother Lyn died from bowel cancer in February 2009.

Jonjo, from Dartford, said: “I was really surprised and very proud to hear I was on the New Year’s Honours List.

“I didn’t even know what a British Empire Medal was.

“I never realised my fundraising would go this far.”

He has received plaudits from a number of footballers for his efforts, which included an 800 mile trip to visit all 20 Premier League grounds earlier this year.

Former Canning Town schoolboy turned Hollywood actor Idris Elba was made an OBE in the list, released this evening.

The 43-year-old, who also stars in hit BBC drama Luther, said: “Awards and honours come in all shapes and sizes and all as significant as the other.

“But this is beyond special as it comes from Queen and country, and I couldn’t be more proud for receiving this right now.”

Plaistow-born philanthropist Jack Petchey has been knighted in recognition of his charitable work.

The 90-year-old set up the Jack Petchey Foundation in 1999 and since then has contributed more than £100million to a range of good causes.

Sir Jack, who left school aged 13 with no qualifications, has become one of the country’s most successful entrepreneurs.

He said: “It is such an honour to receive this knighthood.

“What I am proudest of is the recognition it gives to the Jack Petchey Foundation and the young people we support.

“I always say ‘If you think you can, you can’ whatever your background.

“Being recognised with this honour proves just that to the youngsters we work with.”