Sir Paul McCartney named Artist of the Year

Sir Paul McCartney was named the Artist of the Year at the first-ever Ultimate Classic Rock Awards on 4 December.

He beat 'Motley Crue's' Nikki Sixx, Alice Cooper and Sammy Hagar from 'Chickenfoot'.

A statement for the Awards said: "The 69-year-old McCartney had his (meat-free) plate full for all of 2011.

"Whether it was releasing re-issues of his two truest solo efforts, 'McCartney' and 'McCartney II', collaborating with the New York City Ballet, producing a film marking the 10-year anniversary of 9/11 or embarking on his huge 'On the Run' tour, he pretty much did it all."

McCartney was a founding member of the pop sensation 'The Beatles' in the 1960s and the band went on to become one of Britain's biggest ever groups, writing over 200 songs.

He released his first solo album in 1969 and has been a success since then.

Guns N' Roses won the 'Best Tour' award, while Slash won the 'Best Live Album' honour at the awards.