U2's Bono receives highest French honour

Bono was previously awarded France's Legion of Honour in 2003

U2 singer Bono has received France's highest cultural honour for his contribution to music and commitment to humanitarian causes.

The Irish rock star was presented with the Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters by French Culture Minister Aurelie Filippetti in Paris.

Bono, whose real name is Paul Hewson, said the award belonged to his band.

"I've got the biggest mouth and the loudest voice but the music we make comes from each other," he said.

Mr Filippetti praised the singer saying: "You committed yourself and dedicated your fame and career to wage some of the greatest wars of our time. Not for charity's sake but in the name of justice."

Bono, who has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, has received a string of awards for his music and campaigning since the 1980s.

He founded the global anti-poverty charity One to raise public awareness of poverty in Africa and the fight against Aids.

He was awarded France's Legion of Honour in 2003 and an honorary knighthood from the Queen in 2007.

The Order of Arts and Letters, which was first presented in 1957, has been given to singers including David Bowie, Bob Dylan and Shakira, as well as James Bond actors Sir Sean Connery and Sir Roger Moore.