'Everyday Covid heroes' across the country are set to be formerly recognised by Her Majesty the Queen with official honours, the Government has confirmed.
Culture secretary Oliver Dowden said the Queen's birthday honours list would be delayed until the autumn so 'they can be recognised and celebrated'.
Gongs ranging from knighthoods to MBEs and CBEs are usually announced in June to mark the Queen's official birthday.
The announcement came after Downing Street said Second World War veteran and NHS fundraiser Captain Tom Moore is set to be knighted by the Queen.
The 100-year-old, who was also made an honorary Colonel, raised almost £33 million for health service charities by walking laps of his Bedfordshire garden.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson described Sir Tom as a 'true national treasure' and praised his 'fantastic fundraising' which he said 'provided us all with a beacon of light through the fog of coronavirus'. It's expected the NHS will feature in the delayed list.
Mr Dowden also referenced 'sports, arts, tourism, charities, music and theatres' as he paid tribute to the 'hard work and sacrifice' of the British people.
He said the date switch was 'a way of showing our national gratitude to these everyday Covid heroes'.
Speaking at today's annual Downing Street press conference, Mr Dowden said: "Over the past months, we have all been naturally focused on the huge life or death health implications of this pandemic.
"But I would now like to provide an update on some of the crucial work taking place behind the scenes to support and protect the things that give our lives added meaning, such as sports, arts, tourism and our charities, music and theatres.
"And when we look back on the coronavirus, one of the things we will remember is the incredible contribution made by so many people.
"And as a way of showing our national gratitude to these everyday Covid heroes, we're announcing today that we are delaying Her Majesty the Queen's birthday honours list until the autumn so that they can be recognised and celebrated."
In an earlier announcement after Captain Tom's knighthood was confirmed, a Government spokeswoman added: "We know there is huge appetite to say thank you to all those supporting the nation during this emergency and doing incredible things day in, day out, up and down the country.
"We will ensure these unsung heroes are recognised in the right way, at the right time."
Oscar-winning actress Olivia Colman and adventurer and television favourite Bear Grylls were among dozens of nationally celebrated names to appear on the Queen's birthday honours list last year - alongside many unsung heroes, charity champions and workers from Greater Manchester.
