Scotsman.com is reporting that LED ZEPPELIN guitarist Jimmy Page has been awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) by the Queen — for his charitable work rather than his musical career.

Page said he was overwhelmed to be given the accolade for helping street children in Brazil.

The 61-year-old began a campaign to help disadvantaged youngsters from the favelas in Rio de Janeiro more than 10 years ago.

He was in Brazil's second largest city promoting an album in 1994 when fighting broke out between street gangs.

"At that time in Rio the sun wasn't shining. The army was going into the favelas and I heard about the plight of the street children," Page said after collecting his honor at Buckingham Palace.

He joined forces with U.K. charity Task Brazil and set up a safe house which has so far supported more than 300 children.

Page added: "The Queen actually said it was very important work and that it was a horrible problem for the street children."

London-born Page is considered one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time.

He was a founder member of LED ZEPPELIN, and before that a member of 1960s band THE YARDBIRDS.

"This is not about my music," he said. "I would never have expected to have an award for my humble efforts."