Neil Diamond is set join the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame next year, it has been revealed.

The singer will join Alice Cooper and Tom Waits in receiving the prestigious awards. Acts become eligible for inclusion to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twenty-five years after the release of their first recording.

Diamond said he thought he should have been nominated in past years. "But I kind of figured they'd get around to me at some point," he told BBC News.

He added: "I'm glad they did it before I'm dead."

Other musicians shortlisted included Beastie Boys, Bon Jovi, Donna Summer and LL Cool J. The ceremony is scheduled to take place in New York next year.

The Stooges, Abba and Genesis were all welcomed into the Hall of Fame this year.

(by Holly Frith)