The Pet Shop Boys will be presented with the Outstanding Contribution prize at next year's Brit Awards.

The duo, Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, formed in 1981 and have enjoyed four number one singles and 22 top-ten hits.

Chairman of the Brits committee Ged Doherty said in statement: "Since their first Brit Award over 20 years ago, Neil and Chris have produced a fantastic body of work with songs that truly were the soundtrack to a whole generation's lives.

"The Pet Shop Boys have since become one of the most influential groups of the modern era and are deserving recipients of the award."

Previous recipients of the award include Sir Paul McCartney, Paul Weller, Tom Jones and Oasis.

The 2009 edition of the Brit Awards will take place at London's Earls Court on February 18th.

The ceremony, which will be broadcast live on ITV, will be preceded on January 20th by a nominations launch.

(by Jason Gregory)