Amy and Macca wow the Brits

Amy Winehouse and Sir Paul McCartney put their troubles behind them to steal the show at the Brit Awards, writes the Shropshire Star's Sunita Patel.

The former Beatle, who has spent the past week locked in a bitter divorce battle with his estranged wife Heather Mills, was honoured for his outstanding achievement and contribution to music.

Check out our Brits photo gallery

Accepting his first ever Brit award, he said: "I just think British music is the best."

While Winehouse was not up for any gongs, the troubled singer who has been in and out of rehab for drug and alcohol addiction, followed up her recent five Grammy wins with two faultless performances.

Fans watched to see whether the singer would revert to the rambling and incoherent performances that have characterised her stage appearances of late, but they were relieved to see she is back on form.

The singer even mouthed "I love you" to the cameras, presumably at jailed husband Blake Fielder Civil and urged the crowd: "Make some noise for my husband Blake."

Sheffield band the Arctic Monkeys, comeback kids Take That and US rockers the Foo Fighters were double winners at last night's ceremony hosted by the Osbournes at London's Earl Court.

The Arctic Monkeys won the trophies for best British group and album for Favourite Worst Nightmare.

Take That were named best live act and picked up the award for best single with Shine.

And the Foo Fighters collected the gongs for best international band and album for Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace.

Mark Ronson was named best British male artist - the first non-singing sensation to win the award.

The producer, who was born in England but grew up in New York, said: "I've never felt so British or male in my entire life."

And Kate Nash won the best British female category, beating X Factor star Leona Lewis, who despite being nominated for four gongs, left the showcase empty-handed.

Flamboyant singer Mika, who opened the show, topped just one of the four categories he was nominated in, collecting the trophy for best British breakthrough act

Kylie Minogue, who performed her hit single Wow, was named best International Female.

"This is just incredible. I would like to thank all my fans for supporting me all these past few years," said the pint-sized star, who made her pop comeback last year after battling breast cancer.

Other winners included producer-turned-singer Kanye West who was named best international male, and teenage songstress Adele who received the critics' choice award.

There were stirring performances from chart-topper Rihanna and Leeds band the Kaiser Chiefs, while Doctor Who star David Tennant, actor Sir Ian McKellen and Bionic Woman actress Michelle Ryan were among the guest presenters. Sir Paul performed a medley of hits including Bond theme Live and Let Die.

Amy Winehouse on stage at the Brits.

Sir Paul McCartney celebrates his first ever Brit award.

Take That were named best live act and picked up the award for best single with Shine.

The Arctic Monkeys won the trophies for best British group and album for Favourite Worst Nightmare.

Kylie Minogue, who performed her hit single Wow,

was named best International Female.

The Osbourne family hosted the awards ceremony.