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The coveted Silver Clef award has been awarded to Take That for a second time, recognising an 18 year chart career. Take That, who are still in the middle of a 20 date stadium tour were first awarded the Silver Clef back in 1995.

They have now passed huge artists such as The Rolling Stones and Sir Paul McCartney, who have only won the award once in their long careers.

Other winners at this year’s ceremony at the London Hilton included Madness, who picked up the Icon award, and Queen, who were named Ambassadors of Rock. Beach Boys’ frontman Brian Wilson attended the ceremony to collect a trophy for Best International Act.

The award was presented to the Take That by Lulu, but apparently Claire Sweeney was supposed to give them the award but had to sit down again when Lulu arrived. Laughing off the mix-up, Gary Barlow said: “They messed that up, didn’t they?”

Welsh rockers Stereophonics were named British Band of 2009, and La Roux were awarded Best Newcomer in the week they scored their first UK number one, with Bulletproof.

The trophy is awarded each year to raise funds for music therapy charity Nordoff-Robins. Gary Barlow has announced that he and his bandmates would donate £50,000 to the cause. A £10 note signed by Take That was sold for £2,000, and a one-off silver Mini Cooper designed by Paul Weller was also auctioned off.

Host Denise Van Outen later announced this year’s event had raised more than £400,000 for the charity.

The O2 Silver Clef Lunch 2009 was held on Friday 3rd July at the Hilton on Park Lane, London, many stars including Lily Allen, Russell Brand and Ricky Hatton attended.