Sir Van Morrison to receive his knighthood at Palace ceremony

Sir Van Morrison will be dubbed a knight by the Prince of Wales following a musical career spanning more than 50 years.

The respected singer, who has produced a string of acclaimed albums, will be recognised during a Buckingham Palace investiture ceremony hosted by the Prince of Wales on Thursday.

His unique style - a meshing of blues, country, soul and folk - is a product of his home town of Belfast and the music he grew up with.

Sir Van, 70, is known for a string of popular singles from Brown Eyed Girl to Bright Side Of The Road and is still producing albums and touring.

Also being honoured during the investiture is Steven Moffat, the driving force behind hit TV shows Sherlock and Doctor Who who will receive an OBE.

Along with actor Mark Gatiss he co-created the popular BBC series Sherlock, starring Benedict Cumberbatch in the title role and Martin Freeman as Doctor Watson.

The show has caught the nation's imagination and has proved a hit around the globe helping to make international stars of its two main actors.