Andy Murray beaten to hero of the year title by Tim Peake

Scots tennis star Andy Murray has been pipped to the title of the nation’s hero of the year by astronaut Tim Peake.

Astronaut Tim Peake. Picture: TSPL

The Queen, Mo Farah and Edward Snowden are also on the heroes list, while Oscar Pistorious and Donald Trump top the villains list, according to the annual “heroes and villains” of 2015 survey compiled by Opinium research.

The survey also asked people for their predictions for 2016, with 52 per cent of those questioned claiming there would be another terror attack on the West in the coming 12 months.

James Endersby, managing director of Opinium Research, said: “At the end of the year, as we take stock of everything that has happened, it’s natural to focus on the negatives. The terrible events in Paris shocked and surprised the world, and many of us expect another terrorist attack in 2016.

“But our research also shows that we have achieved a great many things this year, including the first Briton in space for a quarter of a century, Andy Murray leading Team GB to Davis Cup success and Mo Farah retaining his World Championship Title.

“As we look forward to 2016, our results reminds us that unpredictable things can and will happen.”