The man charged with making sure Olympic venues are delivered in time for the 2012 Games has been honoured with a Knighthood.

Chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority John Armitt was given the gong in the New Year Honours for his services to engineering and construction.

Mr Armitt was appointed chairman of the ODA in September 2007 and was previously chief executive of Network Rail. He was awarded a CBE in 1996 for his contribution to the rail industry.

Commenting on his Knighthood Mr Armitt said: “I have been privileged during my career to be supported by many people with whom I share this honour to our industry. I am especially proud of what the industry has achieved in building the Olympic Park.

“That we have been able to keep this project on time and within budget is down to the hard work of the ODA team, our delivery partner (LOCOG) and other organisations involved.

“None of this would have been possible without the knowledge and expertise of the engineering and construction team – from workforce to management.”

Other members within ODA and their partner organisation, LOCOG, responsible for delivering the Games, were also awarded.

LOCOG Board member Charles Allen, was knighted for his services to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and former ODA Director of Construction, Howard Shiplee, became a CBE for services to construction. Former ODA Head of Arts and Cultural Strategy, Sarah Weir, was given an OBE for services to the Arts.