Richards, as well-known for his hedonistic lifestyle as for his contribution to the band, received a special merit award from the magazine.

Punk hero Dury - who is fighting cancer - won the Classic Songwriters title along with his Blockheads bandmate Chaz Jankel.

Blur, who are celebrating 10 years together as a band, won Best Act In The World Today. William Orbit, who produced their album 13 as well as Madonna's Ray Of Light, was named best producer.

Receiving his award from Bob Geldof, Richards said: "It's a pleasure, really a pleasure. I'm all right on stage, but this is embarrassing. Bless you all."

Ian Dury sent a filmed acceptance speech, but turned up to the ceremony anyway.

Ian Dury: Punk hero is currently fighting cancer

He told guests from his seat: "I just want to say I'm very honoured, very pleased. Spontanaeity is the watchword, hard work is what makes it happen.

"There's only one thing for me better than writing songs and that's playing them with the Blockheads, and they're all sitting here, all of them."

Blur singer Damon Albarn received his Best Band In The World prize from novelist Will Self.

He said: "It doesn't seem very objective seeing as we don't sell many records in America. I don't feel like we deserve this, but thanks very much."

Club duo the Chemical Brothers won best album for Surrender, which missed out on a Mercury Music Prize earlier this year in favour of Talvin Singh's OK.

Guitar groups Travis and Stereophonics, nominated for three awards each, picked up one prize apiece.

Glasweigan band Travis won best single for Why Does It Always Rain On Me?, the song which helped them break through from cult popularity to mainstream stardom.

Best album win: Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons of The Chemical Brothers

Stereophonics were named as best live act, beating the Rolling Stones. Singer Kelly Jones said after picking up his award from Stone Ronnie Wood: "I feel a bit stupid winning this alongside the Rolling Stones, to be honest."

Another veteran act - Manchester group New Order - took the Inspiration Award. Their 1983 hit Blue Monday was one of the first electronic dance hits.

Singer Bernard Sumner paid tribute to former Joy Division band-mate Ian Curtis, producer Martin Hannett and manager Rob Gretton, who have all died.

But only he and bassist Peter Hook arrived for the ceremony - fellow members Stephen Morris and Gillian Gilbert were at home celebrating the birth of their new baby, Grace.

Most of the awards are voted for by readers of Q magazine.

The winners in full:

Best Single: Travis, Why Does It Always Rain On Me?
Also nominated: The New Radicals, You Get What You Give; Lauryn Hill, Doo Wop (That Thing); Supergrass, Moving; TLC, No Scrubs; Blur, Tender.

Best New Act: Basement Jaxx.
Macy Gray, Gay Dad, Travis, Shack, The Beta Band

Best Live Act: Stereophonics.
Also nominated: Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, The Rolling Stones, Suede, Gomez

Best Album: Chemical Brothers, Surrender.
Also nominated: Travis, The Man Who; Blur, 13; Mercury Rev, Deserter's Songs; Texas, The Hush; Stereophonics, Performance And Cocktails

Best Act in The World Today: Blur.
Also nominated: Radiohead, Stereophonics, U2, REM, Manic Street Preachers, Oasis

Q Classic Songwriter: Ian Dury and Chaz Jankel.

Best Producer: William Orbit.

Q Inspiration Award: New Order.