Sir Elton John will become the first recipient a new award given out by the BRITs.

The veteran musician will receive the BRITs Icon honour at a special show on September 2.

It has been engineered by the British music industry body BPI and the prize will be dished out to artists who have made a sizeable impact on UK culture.

John said in a statement: "It's a tremendous honour and a real thrill for me to have my work acknowledged in this way, and I'm really looking forward to participating in what promises to be a very special occasion."

BPI chief executive Geoff Taylor added: "The Brit Awards has recognised many exceptional artists whose music has connected with millions of fans. A few of these artists, such as Sir Elton John, have achieved such a level of artistic creativity and originality, critical acclaim, global recognition and popular success that they deserve to be recognised as true icons of our cultural life."

Elton John's legacy across the world is massive, with the singer and pianist releasing No.1 albums such as 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' and 'Caribou'.