PET SHOP BOYS LAND BRIT HONOUR

The dance duo - comprising Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe - are to receive the Outstanding Contribution To Music Award at the February (09) ceremony.

Chairman of the Brits committee Ged Doherty says, "Since their first Brit Award over 20 years ago, Neil and Chris have produced a fantastic body of work with songs that truly were the soundtrack to a whole generation's lives.

"The Pet Shop Boys have since become one of the most influential groups of the modern era and are deserving recipients of the award."

Previous winners include Sir Paul McCartney, Oasis, U2, Paul Weller, Tom Jones, Sting, David Bowie, The Beatles and The Who.

The event will take place on 18 February (09) in London.