The Killers have collected a prize for their impact on American music at the Pop Music Awards in Los Angeles.

The band were honoured with the Vanguard Award by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.

Previous recipients of the prize include Nine Inch Nails, Beck, The Beastie Boys and Bjork.

Patti Smith was also awarded a Lifetime Achievement accolade at the ceremony on Wednesday (April 21).

ASCAP president and chairman Paul Williams said Smith was a "songwriter, poet, trailblazer and rock icon whose creative genius and rock 'n' roll spirit will continue to inspire generations to come".

Other awards went to Dr Luke, who was named Songwriter of the Year, and EMI, which was named Publisher of the Year.

(by Jason Gregory)