French honour for Marianne Faithfull

THE singer Marianne Faithfull has been awarded one of France's highest cultural honours.

The 64-year-old was made Commander of Arts and Letters by Frédéric Mitterrand, the culture minister.

The British performer, who now lives in Paris and Ireland, said she was "very, very grateful to be so honoured".

The award recognises figures who have contributed to the "enrichment of the French cultural inheritance".

"Since I started coming to Paris in 1964, the French have welcomed me and been very loving," Ms Faithfull said.

The singer, who had her first hit in the same year, recently released her 23rd album, Horses and High Heels.

She is currently in the middle of a European tour and will perform at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes on April 12.

Previous recipients of the honour include Michael Caine, Stevie Wonder, Roger Moore and Dennis Hopper.