The lead singer of Scots band Belle & Sebastian has compared the group to Status Quo due to their longevity after being picked for an outstanding contribution to music award.

The lead singer of Scots band Belle & Sebastian has compared the group to Status Quo due to their longevity after being picked for an outstanding contribution to music award.

Stuart Murdoch said last night they were delighted to be recognised by the NME Awards, held next week, 19 years after they formed in Glasgow.

He said: "We're the Status Quo of indie, we're still here."

Next Wednesday's event at London's O2 Academy will also see Sir Paul McCartney's music celebrated with a special one-off prize at the Awards recognising his contribution to music over the past half century.

The music weekly has chosen to honour him after approaching a number of musicians who were united in naming him as being unmatchable in his craft.

NME editor Mike Williams said: "We've spoken to the biggest and best musicians around, and they've told us Paul McCartney is the world's ultimate songwriter. Paul's enduring and stunning talent is worth celebrating, and I'm incredibly honoured that NME are giving him the special, one-of-its-kind Songwriter's Songwriter award to recognise that."

US band Blondie will collect the Godlike Genius prize, while Damon Albarn will be given the innovation award.