Helen's leading role for London

The Oscar-winning actress warned the strong pound could deter new productions as she collected a special award for showcasing London in her films.

The star made the comments after she was presented with the honour for outstanding achievement at the 2007 Visit London Awards for promoting "film tourism" in movies such as The Queen, The Madness of King George and The Long Good Friday.

Click here for the full list of winners at the 2007 Visit London Awards

She called on the Government to take action to support London's film industry in the face of growing foreign competition.

Dame Helen said: "It's great that we have such a strong economy but the pound is so strong that it militates very badly against international productions.

"Tax breaks are absolutely what is needed to keep London alive as a film capital because we are facing competition not just from California but the eastern European countries as well."

She was presented with her award in front of 1,000 guests at the ceremony at the indigO2 venue at the O2 Arena.

The ceremony was held to highlight the successes of London's tourism industry which is worth £15 billion a year and employs around 280,000 people full time.

The Evening Standard joined ITV London Tonight and LBC News1152AM for the people's choice award votes, giving Londoners the opportunity to choose and reward their favourite things to see and do in the capital.

Dame Helen spoke of her London connections as she received her award.

Describing her mother's upbringing surrounded by an "old London family" in the West Ham area, she told how both her father and grandfather had been cabbies in the capital.

She said: "It feels fantastic because this has always been my city. I see this as recognition for supporting London and for wanting as many people as possible to come here and experience it.

"For film makers there is the historical side of London, but also the dark and sleazy side which is just as interesting."

Dame Helen, who is currently working on US political thriller State Of Play, said she hoped to work at the National Theatre next year but would not reveal the title for fear of "bad luck".

She said that she would always want to live in the capital and could see herself retiring one day and "pottering about the garden".

James Bidwell, chief executive of Visit London, said: "The awards, the highlight of the tourism year, celebrate the industry and the outstanding contribution all those who work in it make to giving both Londoners and visitors an unforgettable time in the world's most amazing city.

"Film is a particularly powerful driver of tourists to London and it is with great pleasure that we celebrate Dame Helen Mirren for her tremendous contribution to London film tourism."

London's best tourist attractions, hotels and shops were also recognised. Crowd-pullers such as the Gorilla Kingdom at London Zoo and the Tour de France Grand Depart 2007, along with entertainment such as the Lion King musical were celebrated at the ceremony.

The awards, sponsored by Eurostar and hosted by radio DJ Margharita Taylor, were made up of 14 judged categories along with five people's choice categories.

The Evening Standard chose the best night out for Londoners award, deciding on Tiger Tiger in Haymarket as best bar, Ronnie Scott's as best nightclub and The Lion King as the best show.

The best shopping experience, also chosen by the Standard, included John Lewis as best retailer, Borough Market as best market and Oxford Street as best destination.

The Dorchester was named large hotel of the year, The Halkin in Belgravia was small hotel of the year and St Christopher's Village at London Bridge as hostel of the year.