Mirren joins Hollywood Walk of Fame

Dame Helen Mirren has been honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The 67-year-old, who won the Academy Award for best actress following her starring role in 2006 film The Queen, described the occasion as "the most spectacular day for me".

Her star is the 2,488th since the Walk of Fame began in 1958, which is presented as a lifetime achievement award for those in the entertainment industry.

After receiving the award on Hollywood Boulevard, Mirren joked: "I am so very proud to be henceforth walked upon, have fries dropped upon, maybe even be peed upon, by future generations of tourists, Angelinos and their dogs. But please no chewing gum."

Mirren's star will lie alongside fellow British actor Colin Firth, who won an Oscar for his portrayal of King George in the 2010 film The King's Speech.

"I really can't believe it. It is amazing," she added.

"I am going to have to come here tomorrow and have another look at it, when everybody is gone. People are just coming and going, I will be in disguise just standing here, leaning up against there."

Mirren was made a dame in 2003 for her work in performing arts.

She is nominated for a Golden Globe for her latest work in the film Hitchcock, which explores the relationship of influential film-maker Alfred Hitchcock and wife Alma Reville during the filming of Psycho in 1959.