by Martin Jefferies

Two Kent celebrities have received top awards overnight.

Musician and TV presenter Jools Holland, who lives in Cooling, near Rochester, was honoured for his outstanding contribution to music and broadcasting at the Music Industry Trust Awards.

He follows in the footsteps of the singer Sir Tom Jones, who scooped the award last year.

The Prince of Wales paid tribute to Jools, calling him a "national treasure", while David Munns, chairman of the award committee, added: "There's no one in the UK more associated with popularising music."

Sir Elton John, Bob Geldof and Ringo Starr, as well as The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton and George Martin, also sent their congratulations to the big band player, who was presented with the award at London's Grosvenor House Hotel.

Jools, 53, who celebrates 30 years as a presenter of two of the UK's best loved music shows next year, said: "My lifelong passion is music and I've been so lucky to be able to indulge this for more years than I care to think about.

"I'm lucky to have been given the opportunity to lead my magnificent big band and to have played with many of the all-time greats."

Meanwhile, Tracey Emin was named visionary of the year at Harper's Bazaar magazine's Women of the Year Awards, which were handed out at Claridge's Hotel in London.

The 48-year-old artist, who grew up in Margate, was honoured alongside the likes of Jessie J, Helena Bonham-Carter and Sarah Burton, the designer who created the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton's wedding dress.

Speaking of her plans for 2012, Tracey said: "That my show at Turner Contemporary in Margate goes well."

Tracey's solo exhibition, 'She Lay Down Deep Beneath the Sea', is due to open at Turner Contemporary on May 26.

She appeared alongside Jools at the opening of the art gallery earlier this year.