SINGER Tom Jones led the tributes to Beatle George Harrison on a historic night of pop at the Manchester Evening News Arena.

Some of the biggest names in pop music gathered at the Arena for the first annual Top Of The Pops Awards, but behind the scenes, the mood was unusually thoughtful for what should have been a night of celebration.

Jones, who presented an Artist On Top Of The World award to American Jennifer Lopez, said: ''It is just terrible and words cannot convey what I really want to say. George was a lovely, gentle man.

''We first met back in the Sixties at a time when we were both starting out, and now he has gone. It is a very sad loss for us all.''

Sir Paul McCartney, who pulled out of appearing when he was due to receive the first-ever Top of the Pops Hall of Fame Award because of the death of his fellow Beatle, sent a message of condolence which was read out at a hushed Arena.

Message of condolence

Sir Paul said: ''It was a great honour to receive the award, but because of the sad news I can't be there to accept it. I would like to dedicate the Top of the Pops Award, with love, to my brother George, without whom it would not have been possible.''

Earlier, Irish pop princess Samantha Mumba spoke for a younger generation after hearing the news shortly before arriving at the Arena.

She said: ''It is very sad to lose someone like George Harrison who contributed so much. A lot of people were touched by his music and I've yet to meet anyone who didn't respect him.''

The inaugural Awards Show, which will be seen in 90 countries around the world, included a musical tribute to the former Beatle with a video screen montage of George Harrison through the years.

Celebrities spotted at the ceremony, hosted by Jamie Theakston, included soccer star-turned-actor Vinnie Jones, Noddy Holder, Radio 1 breakfast DJ Sara Cox, model Caprice, Spice Girl Mel B and her actor boyfriend Max Beesley.

More than 12,000 music fans filled the Arena to celebrate the best in pop music over the last 12 months, with the biggest stars in the world of music.

The three-hour show which will be broadcast on BBC One at 5.40pm today (Saturday), includes performances from J-Lo, Mariah Carey, Kylie Minogue, Westlife, Travis, Wheatus, Nelly Furtado, Atomic Kitten, Hear'Say, So Solid Crew and Wyclef Jean.

The executive producer and director of Top of the Pops, Chris Cowey, said: ''There's no bigger name in the world of music television than Top of the Pops and there'll be no bigger event than the Top of the Pop Awards.''

Anna Broughton, marketing and business development director, added: ''This will be an annual event, not only for the viewers, readers and listeners of Top of the Pops in the UK, but also our partners around the world.''

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