Lionel Richie and Billy Ocean receive special Ivor Novello awards

31 May 2018, 16:42 | Updated: 23 June 2018, 18:00

Two legends of music were honoured at the Ivor Novello awards today (May 31).

Firstly, Lionel Richie was celebrated with the PRS for Music Special International Award at the annual event.

The prize is given to musicians and songwriters who have left a mark on British music, and has previously been won by the likes of Bryan Adams and Bill Withers.

Billy Ocean was also honoured with the Ivor Novello Award for International Achievement, in recognition of his international success and the enduring popularity of his music.

It has previously been handed to Enya, Radiohead and Phil Collins among others.

"Thank you to all the people who recommended me for this award" an emotional Billy Ocean said.

"Do you know why I'm crying? Because I looked at the screen and saw how young I was."

This year's Ivor Novello Awards took place at London's Grosvenor Hotel. The Novellos celebrate excellence in UK and Irish songwriting.

Meanwhile, Ed Sheeran won Best Songwriter of the Year, picking up the prize for his song 'Shape Of You', which also won the Most Played Song of 2017.