Music mogul Simon Cowell has been given the 24th Music Industry Trusts award in recognition of his contribution to the music and entertainment industry, as well as for charitable causes.

The star was presented the award by his protégés, One Direction, and as they handed over the prize he made a joke about Zayn Malik's departure from the boyband:

"Just by luck I get the award I've been wanting all my life and I'm completely hammered. Guys, who misses Zayn? We all get old but I've still got charisma!"

Singer Liam Payne also paid tribute to Cowell and his expertise, adding: "When we started on X Factor we could never have image ones how Simon would change our lives."

During his acceptance speech, Cowell thanked the inventor of Botox, saying: You have no idea how much money you've made me. I can't look surprised but..." He also mentioned his son Eric: "I hope he will be standing here in 23 years time as I'm being wheeled into the Grosvenor House Hotel on my second pack of cigarettes."

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Watch footage of Cowell accepting the award here: