Maiden were in London yesterday to receive one of the Music Industry's biggest and most respected awards at the Ivor Novellos, held at the Grovesnor Hotel.

The award was for 'International Achievement' in recognition of Maiden’s reign as one of Great Britain’s biggest musical exports, and their song writing which has notched up some 50 million albums sales around the world.

There to collect the award were Bruce, Adrian and Janick, the presentation being made by long time friend of the band and major Maiden fan, Pat Cash. The Tennis No.1 described how when he was playing tennis at the world’s largest tournaments he would rush from a game just to get to a gig in time.

After the presentation Bruce spoke for the band, thanking Rod Smallwood and others who have worked closely with the band for many years, but he saved his biggest thanks for the fans that have followed the band around the world over their long career. “Without them none of this would be possible. We never get played on the radio and we are a traditional band in the sense that we play the shows, people hear the music and if they like they buy it. This is indeed a great honour and we owe it to them.”

This was the 46th Ivor Novello awards and is organised by the Ivor Novello Committee chaired by Sir Tim Rice and a board from the Performing Rights Society. The awards are decided upon the artists' song writing and performance, and are considered a great accolade. Other legendary artists that were honoured during the ceremony were punk rock masters The Clash, Pete Townsend from The Who, Roy Wood, Stevie Wonder, Composer John Barry and Maiden HQ’s personal favourite Bob The Builder for best selling single of last year.