Captain Tom knighted

A 100-year-old World War II veteran who became a coronavirus lockdown hero by raising millions for British health charities was knighted Friday in a special ceremony by Queen Elizabeth II.

Captain Tom Moore raised nearly £33 million by completing 100 laps of his garden, winning hearts across Britain and plaudits around the world.

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Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in May the Burma campaign veteran would be made a "Sir" in recognition of his achievement and for being a "beacon of light" in lockdown.

He had already been promoted to honorary colonel by the Yorkshire Regiment, and even got to number one in the charts in a collaboration with the singer Michael Ball.

The queen, 94, topped an extraordinary year for Moore by breaking her own enforced lockdown for a special open-air ceremony at her Windsor Castle home, west of London.

The monarch dubbed Moore a knight of the realm using a sword belonging to her father, king George VI.

"I am absolutely overawed," Moore said afterwards. "This is such a high award and to get it from Her Majesty as well -- what more can anyone wish for?