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Gary Barlow Honoured By Music Industry Trusts

Gary Barlow has been honoured for his contribution to the music industry at a bash organised by The Music Industry Trusts (MITS).

He admitted he was touched by the award but said the real reason he was at the ceremony was to support charities and to encourage kids to get involved in music.

"I love this industry, it's been very kind to me, but the fact I can give something back is very important," he said.

He told Sky News how fundamental music is to him.

"Music has given me my career but it has also given me so much more," he said.

"It makes me feel good and changes people's lives and I love that."

Barlow's fellow X Factor judges Tulisa Contostavlos, Nicole Scherzinger and Louis Walsh turned out to support him at the event, which raises money for the Nordoff Robbins charity and The BRIT Trust.

All three paid tribute to Barlow, as did Prince Charles who praised the musician, saying: "Over the past 25 years you have become one of the great stars of the British music industry and you are the very embodiment of that rare species, 'a national treasure'."

Barlow, who said he was enjoying The X Factor more this time around, also revealed Take That would be back in 2013 with a new album and a tour.

The MITS are in their 21st year and have raised over £4m for Nordoff Robbins and The BRIT Trust.

Previous winners include Sir George Martin, Sir Elton John, John Barry, Sir Michael Parkinson and Jools Holland.

The award was founded to recognise outstanding achievement in the UK music industry and benefit the two charities.