Louis Tomlinson admits it 'means the world' to be named Artist of the Year at Nordoff and Robbins' inaugural Northern Music Awards

Louis Tomlinson admitted it "means the world" to be named Artist of the Year at Nordoff and Robbins' inaugural Northern Music Awards.

The former One Direction bandmember and solo star has added another trophy to his awards cabinet, and although he was not in attendance to collect his prize in-person at the charity awards bash at the Albert Hall in Manchester on Tuesday (23.04.24), he couldn't be more thrilled.

In a video acceptance speech, the Doncaster-born star said: "It means the world to win artist of the year, thank you, thank you, thank you. And thanks to Nordoff and Robbins for doing such an incredible thing.”

The 32-year-old BRIT Award winner also donated his Fender Duo Sonic guitar to raise funds for the UK's leading music therapy charity after learning to play the instrument himself and hopes it will "encourage and help someone else begin to learn how to play."

Spice Girl Melanie C - who hails from Merseyside - was among the winners and was honoured with the Special Recognition award for her outstanding contribution to music.

Sporty Spice, 50, also couldn't attend the ceremony but had this to say: “Thank you so, so much for this award. Look at that, it’s gorgeous, isn’t it? I’m a little bit out of practice!

“I can’t remember the last time I got an award, especially on my own.

“I can’t quite believe it’s the first Nordoff and Robbins Northern Music Awards. Let’s face it, all the best music comes from the North, so why has it taken so long?

“I’m gutted I can’t be there. It’s great to be honoured by such a wonderful charity which does great work.”