Snow Patrol’s ‘Chasing Cars’ has been named the most-played song of the 21st century.

The Dundee-formed band, who began life in the city as Polar Bear and recorded under that name for Stow College’s Electric Honey label, spent a decade on the fringes of minor success before breakthrough album ‘Final Straw’ was released.

The Scots-Northern Irish band then recorded fourth album ‘Eyes Open’ along with long-term producer Jacknife Lee, with these sessions giving birth to ‘Chasing Cars’ propelling them to worldwide success.

Although bandmates Jonny Quinn, Nathan Connolly, Tom Simpson and Paul Wilson are credited with writing the track, it was lead singer Gary Lightbody who was presented with a special award marking the achievement.

Music licensing body PPL which is celebrating its 85th anniversary, made the presentation. The organisation tracks all the music played on UK radio and tv in the UK.

Despite its widespread appeal, the tune failed to reach number one when released in 2006, but as PPL’s chief executive officer Peter Leather explained: “Chasing Cars is a song that has become a popular anthem, securing huge success across radio, in public and especially TV, where its huge appeal has led to its use in many programmes and especially Grey’s Anatomy.”

Frontman Gary Lightbody has previously said the track is “the purest love song” he has ever written.