WILLIE NELSON - TEXAS SENATE HONOURS SINGER WILLIE NELSON

Country music legend WILLIE NELSON has been honoured by the Senator in his home state of Texas.

State Senator GONZALO BARRIENTOS called the singer a "true legend" - causing the gathered politicians and staff in the room to erupt into cheers and applause.

Barrientos continued, "This Texas treasure has talked the talk and he's walked the walk and we thank him for allowing us to celebrate stages and stages of his life today in the Texas Senate."

Barrientos gave him a Texas flag that was flown over the Capitol on Friday (09MAY03) and an official gavel that reads, "To Willie Hugh Nelson, a Texas legend, happy birthday."

Nelson turned 70 on 30 April (03).