Despite claims by Legion's grand chancellor that the singer was unworthy, Dylan was presented with country's highest award

Bob Dylan has been awarded France's highest award, the Legion of Honour.

In a short ceremony in Paris on Wednesday, France's culture minister Aurélie Filippetti presented the US singer with the award, which is given to individuals who have served the country. While there were no cameras allowed during the presentation, Filippetti is said to have spoken about Dylan's cultural importance and how he had become a role model for young people who strive for justice and independence. The singer had little to comment following the speech, but said he was "proud and grateful" before leaving.

The award was temporarily put on hold in May this year, after the grand chancellor of the Legion, Jean-Louis Georgelin, declared the singer was unworthy of it, citing Dylan's anti-war politics and use of cannabis as key reasons to block his nomination. The 72-year-old is said to have been inspired by French symbolists Verlaine and Rimbaud, and is already a chevalier of the lesser French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.

Last year, Paul McCartney became the first British musician to receive the Legion of Honour at a gala ceremony. Previous recipients include JK Rowling, Aung San Suu Kyi, Ravi Shankar and Vladimir Putin.