Born Free’s Co-Founder and Trustee, Virginia, who set up the charity in 1984 alongside her late husband Bill Travers MBE, and eldest son Will Travers OBE, said: “I must be one of the many millions of people who rejoiced at the New Year announcement that Joanna Lumley had been awarded a Damehood.

“When I think of her wonderful talent as an actress I am in awe.  But her active involvement in so many issues – humanitarian relief, the future of the Gurkhas, fighting wildlife exploitation and individual animal suffering, explaining the impact of the Pandemic – leaves me lost for words.

“She is Born Free’s Founder Patron, having offered us her support way back in 1984 when we were called Zoo Check.

“Thirty-eight years later her loyalty is unshakable, her determination unchanged, her compassion without compare.

“On behalf of Will and all our Born Free team, I would like her to know how thrilled we are. And how grateful we will always be that she continues to be a voice for the creatures who have none.”