Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page has been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for his work on behalf of Brazilian street children.

Page, 61, received the honour from the queen at Buckingham Palace Wednesday.

Describing the accolade as overwhelming, the veteran rock musician recalled how he became involved with helping Brazilian children in 1994 after fighting broke out among street gangs when he was promoting an album in Rio de Janeiro.

“At that time in Rio the sun wasn’t shining,? Page told reporters, according to Billboard. ?The army was going into the favelas (shantytowns) and I heard about the plight of the street children.”

Page and British charity Task Brazil set up a safe house, which has supported more than 300 children. Task Brazil provides medical and psychological support, food, clothing and job training.

“I think when you’re faced with a plight that’s inescapable, and there’s something you can do about it, you hope you can make a difference,” Page said.

Page was a member of the Yardbirds in the ?60s before going on to help found Led Zeppelin.






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