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HONOURED: Paul Elliott with his CBE at Buckingham Palace

KICK IT Out ambassador and ex-Chelsea defender Paul Elliott has been recognised by the establishment and been given a CBE for services to equality and diversity in football.

The 48-year-old was awarded an MBE in 2003, which was also in recognition for the work he has carried out on anti-racism campaigns within the sport. The CBE makes the Lewisham-born former pro the first black footballer to receive the award.

“I'm here with a sense of great pride on behalf of myself and my personal family but also the football family”, Elliott said after the ceremony.

“From a personal perspective I was told earlier not only was I the first black player in history to receive a CBE but the first modern-day player in the 20-odd year history of the Premiership - so that's a great sense of personal pride.

“It’s just about me trying to make a positive contribution but working in partnership with so many other good people,” he added.

Furthermore, the CBE acknowledges Elliott’s work abroad, such as his involvement in anti-racism initiatives with Uefa and the Football Against Racism In Europe network.