Take That singer Gary Barlow is set to receive the 21st Music Industry Trust's award for his work with music and charities.

The X-Factor judge paid a surprise visit to the Brit School and Nordoff Robbins unit on Wednesday to visit pupils and see what work the charities do.

The Music Industry Trust has raised over £4 million for their projects and Barlow said he felt honoured to receive the award and praised their work.

"It's so important, it's so crucial, not only for our industry but for the local communities for the people who go in there and do classes, it's such a great break from normal life to just go in and sing, play instruments. It's what music's about.

"Music is a healer, it's a feel good thing that we all use to make us feel better. It's just great to see so much music going on inside this building," he added.

During his visit Barlow watched students perform and gave them some feedback and advice.

"We did a songwriting class in there today, loved it in fact I want to come back and do a longer one. It's so important, so important for them to get feedback, for them to know what they're doing is good and it is.

"Music's been my life. I've been lucky enough to be able to do it as my job, and I thank God every morning when I wake up because I love music.

"We know the kind of artists the Brit School, the output, the successful artists this school's had in the past, and it's exciting. I feel like I've seen a few already today and what a brilliant place for it all to begin."

Barlow will be presented with the award at a special findraising gala for charities supported by the Music Industy Trust on November 5th.