Award honours 'timeless entertainer' Tom Jones

Chart veteran Sir Tom Jones was honoured by the music industry for his outstanding contribution over the past half century.

He was presented with the annual Music Industry Trusts Award last night, in front of an audience of guests who included Sir George Martin, Michael Ball and Rob Brydon.

Sir Tom, who has been scoring hits since 1965 when he first topped the chart with 'It’s Not Unusual', was presented with his award by film director Tim Burton. The singer appeared in the film-maker’s 1996 movie Mars Attacks!

Sir Tom performed with fellow Welsh stars Cerys Matthews – with whom he duetted on chart hit 'Baby It’s Cold Outside' – and Stereophonics frontman Kelly Jones at the event.

Around 1,000 guests attended the charity dinner, now in its 19th year, at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel in aid of Nordoff Robbins and the Brit School.

Previous recipients of the award have included Peter Gabriel, Sir Elton John, Kylie Minogue and composer John Barry.

David Munns, chairman of the award committee, said: “Tom Jones is one of those rare beings, a timeless entertainer, a great guy, who clearly loves what he does, and whose talent appeals to successive generations.”