A scientist whose work lies at the heart of the "Big Bang" experiment in Switzerland has received the Edinburgh Award.

Professor Peter Higgs was presented with the engraved Loving Cup at a ceremony on Friday.

He came up with his theory about the boson particle while he worked at the University of Edinburgh in 1964. The Large Hadron Collider in Geneva is trying to prove the existence of the elusive boson, which is thought to be how everything in the universe gets its mass.

Professor Higgs, 82, has been given the Edinburgh Award for his work at the city’s university. He has also had his handprints placed in the City Chambers quadrangle alongside previous winners George Kerr, Ian Rankin, JK Rowling and Sir Chris Hoy.

Professor Peter Higgs said: "It is a great honour to receive this award from the city that I fell in love with and is now my adopted home."

Lord Provost George Grubb said: "I am delighted to present Professor Peter Higgs with the Edinburgh Award on behalf of the people of Edinburgh. His proposal of what has now become known as the Higgs boson has not only significantly advanced our knowledge of particle physics, culminating in the Standard Model, but has also given him a huge international reputation.

"Professor Higgs’ work with the University of Edinburgh has put this city on an international stage and as such he is undoubtedly a most deserved recipient of one of Edinburgh’s most prestigious civic awards."

The professor’s colleagues were also present at the ceremony.

Alan Walker, Honary Fellow of the University of Edinburgh said "We are very proud to have been colleagues of Peter for many years. This award is richly deserved, not only for the work that has led to worldwide acclaim, but for his inspiration of students, many of whom have gone on to do great things. Indeed, some are currently involved in the searches at the ATLAS detector for the Higgs boson. This is indeed a very proud day for both the University and the City of Edinburgh."