Sir Paul McCartney is to receive the prestigious Gershwin Prize for Popular song from the US Library of Congress.

The former Beatle will collect the award and perform at an all-star tribute concert next spring.

Librarian James Billington said: “It is hard to think of another performer and composer who has had a more indelible and transformative effect on popular song and music of several different genres.”

Previous recipients of the prize include Paul Simon and Stevie Wonder, who collected the honour earlier this year from President Barack Obama.

Meawhile, Sir Paul is due to embark on a seven-date European tour in December, which concludes in London on December 22.

(by Jason Gregory)