Scottish comedian and actor Billy Connolly has had his 50-year career recognised at the National Television Awards.

Holywood star Dustin Hoffman, a long-time friend of the "Big Yin", presented Connolly with a Special Recognition Award at the ceremony on Wednesday evening.

Glasgow-born Connolly's comedy routines and songs have entertained audiences for 50 years.

A raft of friends and co-stars paid tribute to the 73-year-old former shipyard worker, and comedian Peter Kay dedicated his comedy award to Connolly.

Hoffman said: "This man has been entertaining the world for 50 years. His humour, though seemingly basic, is quite sophisticated.

"Good taste is something he has always turned his back on. He exposes truth, no-one looks at the world the way he does. He transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary."

In his trademark irreverent style, Connolly accepted the award saying "this is the best laxative I have ever known."

Sir Elton John also appeared in a video paying tribute to Connolly which was shown at the ceremony.

Writer and producer Armando Iannucci hailed the decision to honour Connolly's decades-long career.

Speaking earlier, he said: "It's unbelievable and yet no surprise that we're celebrating 50 years of Billy Connolly. Because he doesn't compromise, because he doesn't fit a label, he has no shelf life, he's not part of a phase.

"He's unique. You can't really sum him up. The only way you can explain him to someone is by saying, just try and imagine Billy Connolly."

Earlier in January, Connolly spoke of his ongoing battle with Parkinson's, a degenerative disease which he described as "cruel".

He told the Daily Mail: "There were things I liked to do, like smoking cigars. I can’t do that any more because it makes me drunk.

"I can’t play the banjo any more because of my left hand. I don’t move as much as I used to because I don’t feel secure in my balance. My way of speaking has changed a bit too."