U2 were present at the ceremony to collect their award

The group, who formed in 1977, were given the prize at the 30th Nordoff-Robbins Silver Clef Awards, which raise money for music therapy.

Frontman Bono attended the ceremony and said: "I'm standing here as the lucky member of a great band."

Veterans The Who won a 30th anniversary award. Bob Geldof got an international award for his work in Africa.

Bono urged the nation to get behind Live 8, co-ordinated by Geldof.

"I don't think it's the pop stars or the musicians that the politicians are afraid of, it's the audience," he said.

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"They are young people and they can change things."

Welsh opera star Katherine Jenkins won the classical award.

Other winners included Natasha Bedingfield, Lemar, Razorlight and McFly.