Katherine Jenkins will become an OBE in Queen Elizabeth's New Year Honours.

The British monarch will present her annual awards and the singer will be recognised for her work supporting the nation's armed forces and a source described it as ''thoroughly well-deserved''.

The Buckingham Palace insider told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: ''Ms Jenkins has been a fine ambassador for the arts, good causes our troops and the nation.

''This is a thoroughly well-deserved honour. Her Majesty is delighted to bestow it.''

The 33-year-old star has been nicknamed the 'Forces Sweetheart' due to her role in entertaining British troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, retired soccer legend David Beckham has been snubbed in the list despite reports claiming he was in line for a knighthood.

The 38-year-old star was expected to become Sir David in the New Year's Honours, but there are said to be many officials who felt it was too soon for him to be recognised in this way.

A source told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: ''There was a view that it wouldn't do him any harm to wait a bit.''