Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter honoured at London Film Festival

Helena Bonham Carter tonight confessed she was relieved to be awarded a fellowship by the BFI at the same time as her partner Tim Burton as it eliminated any jealousy between them.

The British actress and her director partner both received the honour at the London Film Festival Awards, in a ceremony at Banqueting House on London's Whitehall attended by stars including Tom Hiddleston and Olivia Colman.

The fellowship is the highest honour given by the BFI.

Bonham Carter said: "It's good because there's no jealousy at home.

"It's very handy and very thoughtful for them to give us both one at the same time."

The couple have worked together on many films over the years including Alice In Wonderland and Sweeney Todd.

During her acceptance speech Bonham Carter thanked her parents who were both in the audience.

She said: "I never thought I was particularly good at this. I've certainly had my bad reviews over the years, but I kept going.

"My dad's motto is KBO which stands for 'Keep buggering on', so I will dad."

She was presented with the accolade by theatre director Sir Trevor Nunn.

Speaking about her decision to become an actress she revealed: "I just love pretending to be honest. I think it's a lot to do with escape and fantasising. It's as pure as that, dressing up."Sir Christopher Lee presented Burton with his fellowship.

The 90-year-old actor has worked with Burton on several of his films including Sleepy Hollow, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Alice In Wonderland.

Sir Christopher said: "Burton is one of the greatest directors of any time. One can only imagine what cinema would look like if Tim had not put his indelible thumb print on it.

"I've worked with Tim several times and I think he's a great director and a close friend.

"I hope this won't be taken as too much of a hint to appear in his next film!"

Burton said he was especially proud to receive the award from Sir Christopher because he "was one of the reasons I wanted to be in movies".

The American director, who lives in London with Bonham Carter and their two children, said: "I can't quite believe this because I'm not British.

"I grew up on British films, Hammer films, James Bond, The Wicker Man.

"Coming from Los Angeles where you feel like you're in a film business, one of the things I love here is you're constantly reminded it's an art form, so that makes it a special honour."

The Best Film award went to Jacques Audiard's Rust And Bone starring Oscar-winning actress Marion Cotillard.