Sir Elton John has said he is determined to keep “giving back to the industry that has given me so much” as he turns 75.

The singer, who is due to perform in Watford this summer, was born on March 25 1947 and to mark the milestone will also be releasing the album Diamonds: The Ultimate Greatest Hits’ on streaming platforms mixed in Dolby Atmos for the first time.

He said: "I’m not usually one to look back or get nostalgic, but 75 is such a milestone birthday.

"I’ll definitely find time today to take stock and thank my lucky stars for my wonderful family, friends and career.

"I feel unbelievably lucky that at 75 I still love what I do so much – I’m still so energised about music and excited I get to play, listen and talk about this every single day.

"Being back on the road is a blast and the thrill of playing live is as amazing as it was 50 years ago.

"I have so much to pass on to the new generation of fans and artists alike, and I’m determined to keep giving back to the industry that has given me so much."

Sir Elton, who was knighted for services to music and charity in 1998, has sold more than 300 million records worldwide during a pop career spanning more than five decades.

Hits across the years include Rocket Man, I’m Still Standing and Blue Eyes, with Sir Elton notching up his first UK number one single in 16 years last month with Cold Heart, a collaboration with Dua Lipa.

He also reworked another of his hits, Candle In The Wind, which he performed at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, who was a fan and a close friend, both sharing a passion for raising awareness of Aids.

The musician has also dedicated much of his life to charity, including his Elton John Aids Foundation which he launched in 1992 after “losing many friends and loved ones to the Aids epidemic,” his website said.

In 2007, The Elton John Charitable Trust was set up to allow Sir Elton and Furnish to make charitable contributions outside the world of HIV/Aids, which has supported more than 100 charities across a multitude of causes.

Sir Elton will return to the home of Watford FC, where he is honorary life-president, in early July to perform two concerts as part of his worldwide Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour.