Dr Who writer Russell T Davies to be honoured at Edinburgh International TV festival

Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies is to be honoured with an outstanding achievement award at the Edinburgh International TV Festival.

After a career that already spans across four decades, the award-winning screenwriter and producer will be recognised for some of his biggest hits, including Queer As Folk, The Second Coming and Casanova.

As well as contributing to the world-famous sci-fi series between 2005 and 2011, Davies, 54, also worked on spin-off shows Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures, and received an OBE in 2008.

More recently, he was awarded with a best drama writer Bafta for his work on Channel 4's LGBT-based cult trilogy Banana, Cucumber and Tofu.

Davies' latest accolade will be presented by his colleague and Red Production Company founder Nicola Schindler during the festival on August 24, and she will talk to him about his career during a ticketed Q&A session the following day.

The event adds to a busy calendar for Davies, who is currently working on his next creation, A Very English Scandal, based on the life of disgraced 1970s MP, Jeremy Thorpe.

Hugh Grant takes centre stage in the BBC One film, directed by Stephen Frears and coming to screens next year.

Diederick Santer, advisory chair at the festival, said: I am delighted that Russell is returning to the TV Festival to receive our Outstanding Achievement Award.

He's the man behind some of the nation's favourite dramas, and his career continues to be incredibly successful and remarkably varied. I am very excited to hear what will no doubt be an insightful and funny look back over 30 years of great work.'