The film-maker responsible for Mulholland Drive and cult TV series Twin Peaks has received the Legion d’Honneur in France.

David Lynch was hailed by French president Nicolas Sarkozy, who said seeing Lynch’s The Elephant Man had convinced him that the cinema was a 'highly important matter'.

He spoke in French to accept the country’s top civilian honour, stating: 'My French is poor, but my heart is rich today thanks to you.'

Lynch’s partner, actress Emily Stofle, joined him at the ceremony which was also attended by director Roman Polanski and actresses Fanny Ardant and Charlotte Rampling.

Lynch said: 'It’s no secret that I love France, the art-making, art-loving and art-supporting people of France.'