Coldplay to receive best British act Silver Clef

The band were chosen to perform at the closing ceremony for the Paralympic Games in 2012

Coldplay are to receive the best British act award at this year's Nordoff Robbins O2 Silver Clef Awards.

The Grammy award-winning group gained worldwide fame with their first top 10 track, Yellow, in 2000.

Since then they have sold more than 60 million records, had five number one albums and won several awards including eight Brit awards and seven Grammys.

Frontman Chris Martin said receiving the Silver Clef prize meant a "huge amount" to the band.

"Nordoff Robbins is an organisation that lies very close to our hearts," he said.

"They provide life-changing music therapy for thousands of people each year and we're humbled to collect this award in their honour."

The band will receive their prize at a London ceremony on 28 June.

The annual Silver Clef awards honour artists from across the music industry, while raising money for the music therapy charity.

Influential

Nordoff Robbins chairman David Munns said Coldplay were most deserving of the award.

"Coldplay are one of the British music industry's great successes," he said. "They have dominated the British music scene for a decade and their music has influenced a generation."

Organisers hope to raise £500,000 from the awards to fund 20,000 life-transforming music therapy sessions for children and adults across the UK.

Ten awards will be presented at the ceremony, including the innovation award to singer-songwriter and record producer, Labrinth and the classical award to trumpet soloist Alison Balsom.