Now it's Cassie Jackman ... MBE England's world number one Cassie Jackman has been made an MBE for her services to squash in the Queen's Birthday Honours list, announced today. The honour marks an excellent year for the 31-year-old, who reclaimed her world number one status and won a record sixth British National title. "I've actually known for 5 weeks, when I got a letter through the post," Jackman told SquashPlayer. "When I opened it I was absolutely delighted, but I've had to keep quiet. I just wanted to tell everyone but couldn't, so I'm glad its all been announced." Jackman, who comes from North Walsham, now lives at Horsford, near Norwich, with her husband Matt who she married in March. "Matt was obviously delighted for me. He was there when I opened the letter so he's had to keep quiet as well. And my parents were so pleased. Without all their support and help over the years I would never have achieved what I have done. I'm so thankful to them. "I've had quite a few nice messages since the news came out, so it's been great to receive those." She has been a professional since she was 17, winning the World Junior Title in 1992, and reaching the World Open final in 1994 and 1996 before finally claiming the World Championship in 1999 in Seattle. With it came the World Number one position which she held for most of 2000. At the British Open in 2000 she suffered from the first of two career-threatening back injuries which required surgery and kept her sidelined for long periods as her ranking slipped. A successful comeback saw her climb the world rankings again, and she reached the World Open final once again in Hong Kong in December 2003. "I am just so happy to be here again," she said at the time. "When I was lying in bed for six weeks after back surgery last year, I seriously doubted I could ever do this again." Then, in February 2004 she reclaimed the world number one position, which she maintains today, although her form still depends on how her back feels on the day. It held good as she claimed a record sixth National title in February. "It’s great to be back in the game and I’m enjoying it. Being world no.1 is great. Being introduced on court as world no.1 is a buzz," she said in Manchester. Jackman went on to win the WISPA Grand Prix Finals in April, her 27th career WISPA tour title. "It is fantastic for me, my family and for squash," she said on receiving this latest honour. "I have just finished the season and have had a great year. This just puts the icing on the cake." Jackman joins a distinguished group of squash players who have been similarly recognised in Britain – including Peter Nicol, who was awarded an MBE in 1999, Jonah Barrington, Lisa Opie, Martine le Moignan and Susan Devoy. "I don't think it makes me think any different," Cassie added. "It just makes all the hard work and the ups and downs worth it. I'm so pleased to have been recognised and also for squash to be recognised. Its great for the sport. "I actually started training this week after having a belated honeymoon in Spain. So it's been a hard week but I'm pleased to be back into training preparing for the season ahead." Jackman's next tournament is the Brunei Open at the end of July. "I'm excited about, as it's a new event for the women. So I shall be getting ready for that."