Sir Tom Jones to receive outstanding contribution award

Sir Tom releases his new album, Praise and Blame, next month

Sir Tom Jones is to receive this year's Music Industry Trust award for his outstanding contribution to music, it has been announced.

The Welsh singer will follow in the footsteps of Sir Elton John, Kylie Minogue and Andrew Lloyd Webber when he collects the award on 1 November.

Other previous recipients include Peter Gabriel, Beatles producer Sir George Martin and composer John Barry.

Sir Tom, who turns 70 next week, said he was "delighted" to be recognised.

"2010 is shaping up to be a very memorable year for me," he said.

"I'm delighted to be honoured with the Music Industry Trust's award and to join the roll-call of some great past honourees."

David Munns, chairman of the award committee, called Sir Tom "one of those rare beings, a timeless entertainer."

He was, he continued, "a great guy who clearly loves what he does and whose talent appeals to successive generations."

More than 1,000 guests will attend this year's ceremony, to be held in aid of the music charity Nordoff Robbins and the BRIT Trust at London's Grosvenor House Hotel.

Sir Tom has had dozens of hits since topping the UK charts in 1965 with It's Not Unusual.

His latest album, Praise and Blame, is released on 26 July.