Pop singer Kylie Minogue was honoured at the Q Awards today after returning to the music industry following her recovery from breast cancer.

About to release her first album since her cancer diagnosis in 2005, the 39-year-old Australian was given the Q Idol award in recognition of her long career.

Sir Paul McCartney was also honoured at the ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel. The former Beatle took home the Q Icon award, in recognition of his 50-year-long career.

Amy Winehouse picked up yet another gong for her critically revered album Back To Black. The singer beat Arctic Monkeys, Kaiser Chiefs and Manic Street Preachers to win the Best Album gong, an award to sit alongside the clutch of prizes – including a Mobo and Vodafone Live award – she has won this year.

Despite losing the Best Album prize to Winehouse, Arctic Monkeys didn’t go home empty handed. The band picked up the effusively-titled award Best Act in the World Today.

Singer-songwriter Kate Nash continued her speedy climb to superstardom, taking home Best Breakthrough Artist. The 20-year-old Londoner released her first album, Made of Bricks, in August this year and watched it climb to the top of the music charts.

The Q Legend award went to Ian Brown, while the Q Lifetime Achievement was awarded to former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr. But it was the late Manchester music mogul Tony Wilson who was honoured with the Q Hero award. The former Factory Records boss died in August, aged 57. Wilson’s children - Oliver and Isobel - represented their father and collected the gong.

The editor of Q magazine, Paul Rees, said: "This year, as ever, the Q Awards celebrate and herald great music of all genres and era - from the best in new music to rock's legendary elite.

"And, at a time when the digital revolution has prompted many to predict the demise of the music business itself, this year the awards also demonstrate that great music and outstanding artists will continue to flourish and inspire, no matter how or where people choose to listen to them."

The winners

Best New Act - The Enemy

Best Track - Manic Street Preachers, Your Love Alone Is Not Enough

Explore Music

• Festivals

• CD Reviews

• Live Reviews

• Classical

Editor's choice

• U2 at Nou Camp Stadium, Barcelona
• The 50 Best Movie Villains
• The 15 golden rules of theatre etiquette