Thumbs up from McCartney as he receives prestigious award

President Francois Hollande presented Sir Paul McCartney with France's highest public award, the Legion of Honour. Credit: Reuters

Sir Paul McCartney has been presented with France's highest public award, the French Legion of Honour, for services to music.

It was bestowed by French President Francois Hollande at a special ceremony at the Elysee Palace where the former Beatle was made made an officer of the Legion of Honour.

The singer, who was knighted in 1997, is thought to be the first British musician to be awarded the Legion of Honour.

He joins the likes of actor Clint Eastwood, singer Liza Minnelli, author JK Rowling, who have all received the special award.

Following the ceremony Sir Paul tweeted to say:

Created by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, and symbolised by a red lapel thread, the Legion of Honour has three grades, Chevalier, Officer and Commander.

The honour carries social status but no money, and recipients have to buy their own medal from a licensed jeweler, with prices ranging from 169 euros to 700 euros for the highest rank.