LEGENDARY singer/songwriter Robert Plant has been awarded a CBE for his services to rock music.

The former Led Zeppelin frontman - an old boy of Stourbridge’s King Edward VI Grammar School - has been given the accolade in the Queen’s 2009 New Years Honours list.

The 60-year-old star has been passionate about music since his teens.

Still hugely popular today, Led Zeppelin were formed 40 years ago and are widely credited with igniting the heavy metal genre.

Together until 1980 (they broke up following the death of drummer John Bonham) - they sold more than 200 million albums world wide.

And their best-known hit Stairway to Heaven has topped many ‘greatest songs of all time’ polls.

These days - Plant, who lives in Bewdley, Worcestershire, is enjoying a successful solo career, having ruled himself out of a comeback appearance with the band.

His extensive live dates across the USA last summer and autumn with American bluegrass star Alison Kraus received rave reviews and their critically-acclaimed album Raising Sand has been nominated for five Grammys.

Despite his world wide fame - however - the rock icon has been known to take to the stage for impromptu performances at venues such as Stourbridge Tennis Club.

Friend and fellow musician Bev Pegg, who has had the honour of jamming with the rock legend, said: “I've known Robert for many years.

“He is worshipped all over the world as a megastar, but he is one of the most down to earth and unassuming guys you could ever wish to meet.

“He's got on stage and done half a dozen or so songs with my band many times over the past 20 years, and has booked us to play at various fundraising nights.

“He's a lovely bloke...and for his contribution to music, and making the world aware of Stourbridge and it's surrounding area, he is one of the greatest performers ever to come from this district.

“A more suitable recipient of a CBE from the Queen, I cannot think of.”