The Kinks legend Ray Davies was honoured with a knighthood at Buckingham Palace today.

The 72-year-old musician, born in Fortis Green, was given the title in the New Year’s Honours list for services to the Arts after receiving a CBE from The Queen in 2004.

Sir Ray said receiving the knighthood had made him re-evaluate his life's work and he was accepting the award for his family.

He said: "I hope it inspires people to do the work. I kept on working, regardless."

"When I started the gig when we had our first hit You Really Got Me, I just wanted to make enough money to go and live in Spain for the rest of my life and paint pictures, and one thing led to another and I ended up here."

Sir Ray said he found the ceremony "moving", particularly the classical music that played as Charles handed out the honours.

"It's quite moving with the music and the theatrics. I listen to this kind of music often," he said.

The Kinks were formed in the early 1960s with Sir Ray and brother Dave, who were at the heart of the group until they disbanded in 1996.

Their biggest hits included “You Really Got Me”, “Lola” and “Sunny Afternoon”, which is also the title of a musical based on the band currently touring the UK after a stint in the West End.