Composer John Barry awarded with posthumous prize

Barry received the Bafta fellowship in 2005

The Classic Brit Awards will honour James Bond composer John Barry next month, following his death in January.

His widow Laurie Barry said: "John would be so honoured to be receiving the outstanding contribution to music award... we are very grateful."

Barry wrote scores for more than 100 films including 11 Bond movies, Born Free and Midnight Cowboy.

Dame Shirley Bassey will perform the track Goldfinger at the ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall in London on 12 May.

Several of Barry's best-known themes will be performed by the London Chamber Orchestra at the awards.

It will be the first time that a posthumous pize has been awarded at the event since its inception in 2000.

The Royal Albert Hall will also be host to a John Barry memorial concert in June, featuring performances from Bassey and Rumer, and tributes from Sir George Martin and Sir Michael Caine.