Country-pop sensation Taylor Swift has been awarded a special prize by the state of Tennessee for the way in which her music inspires people.

The 'Safe & Sound' superstar was given the 2012 Honorary Star of Compassion Award by officials at the Northwest Tennessee Disaster Services for having a positive impact on young people in a "small community" in the area.

Rob Adcock, a spokesperson for the organisation, explained that Swift was the obvious choice for the award:

"Taylor Swift has inspired the small community of Northwest Tennessee with her uplifting words and music of encouragement and has become a positive role model for the young and old alike here."

"It is with great honour and appreciation that we present this one of a kind, jewelled award to such an outstanding individual on behalf of our organisation."

Swift has made a conscious effort to give back to the state, to which she moved as a teenager, and donated a phenomenal amount of money to its Country Music Hall of Fame. She has also provided a struggling library with books. Watch her lyric video for 'Eyes Open' here: