Tom Cruise has been awarded the US Navy's highest civilian honour for being a "staunch advocate" for the service.

The Mission: Impossible star received the Distinguished Public Service Award from Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro in a ceremony held at Longcross Film Studios in Surrey, England today to celebrate his movie work which has raised public awareness and appreciation for Navy personnel.

Cruise said in a statement: "I’m happy I have been able to be a source of inspiration to many of the sailors who serve today or have served in the past.

"The effort was not just on my end, but the cast and crew I get to work with on all our sets. They are what really bring the work to life."

Del Toro added: "It was an honour to present Tom Cruise with a Defence Public Service award for his decades of naval advocacy through many movies. His work has inspired generations to serve in our Navy and Marine Corps."

Cruise – who played a Naval pilot in 1986 blockbuster Top Gun and its 2022 sequel Top Gun: Maverick – made a speech during the event and he lavished praise on all those serving in the Navy.

He said: "I admire all of the servicemen and women. I know in life, something that is very true to me, is that is to lead is to serve. And I know that to my core. And I see that in the servicemen and women."

The actor also played a member of the United States Marine Corps in 1989's Born on the Fourth of July and a Naval officer in 1992 drama A Few Good Men.

The DPS Award is the highest honour the Secretary can bestow on a civilian outside the Department of the Navy and it was previously awarded to director Steven Spielberg and actor Tom Hanks for their work on World War II movie Saving Private Ryan.

Cruise was previously named an Honorary Naval Aviator in 2020.