Spanish lifetime gong for Sir Ian

Sir Ian was nominated for an Oscar for his role in Lord Of The Rings

British actor Sir Ian McKellen will receive a lifetime achievement award at the San Sebastian film festival in Spain this month.

In a statement organisers said the Donostia Award is being given to the star because he is "one of the leading British film, theatre and TV actors".

The 70-year-old is best-known for his roles as Magneto in the X-Men series and Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings.

The 57th San Sebastian film festival runs from 18-26 September.

Sir Ian received Oscar nominations for his roles in Gods and Monsters in 1998 and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring in 2001.

"His tremendous versatility has led him to play enormously varying parts, from the Shakespeare classics to contemporary superheroes, from author cinema to major commercial productions," organisers said.

Last year's Donostia Award was shared between US actress Meryl Streep and Spain's Antonio Banderas.