Lily Allen and Sting win music industry awards

Image caption, The awards ceremony took place at London's Dorchester Hotel

British singers Lily Allen, Sting and Elton John were honoured for their songwriting by the US music industry during a ceremony in London on Tuesday.

Licensing body Broadcast Music, Inc (BMI) handed out awards for the most-performed songs in the US.

Allen's The Fear won a trophy, while Sting won a prize for the Police song Every Breath You Take, which has been played more than 10 million times.

John was recognised for Your Song and and Crocodile Rock.

The songs, both which were co-written by Bernie Taupin, have been played eight million and six million times respectively.

Lyricist Don Black, known for his work on several James Bond theme tunes, as well as Born Free and Michael Jackson's Ben, was presented with the icon award.

Previous winners of the award include Ray Davies, Bryan Ferry and Van Morrison.

Keith Urban's Only You Can Love Me This Way scooped the song of the year prize and the dance trophy went to Cascada's Evacuate the Dance Floor.