Rock band the Klaxons have won the 2007 Nationwide Mercury Prize for their debut album, Myths of the Near Future.

The south London group beat off competition from bookies' favourite Bat for Lashes to pocket the £20,000 prize at last night's awards ceremony.

Sheffield band the Artic Monkeys, who won last year's prize, and troubled singer Amy Winehouse had also been shortlisted for the coveted award.

Other nominees included Dizzee Rascal, The Young Knives, New Young Pony Club, Fionn Regan, The View and Jamie T.

R&B star Winehouse entertained the crowd at the ceremony with her first public appearance for nearly a month.

The 23-year-old, who had been one of the favourites to scoop the prize, has recently spent several spells in rehab amidst reports of drug use.

Speaking after the ceremony, her father Mitch said: "She was very happy to be here. And I'm just thrilled she was here. She gave a brilliant performance and she looks well."

The Klaxons' debut album reached number two in the UK album charts when it was released earlier this year.

It features the hit singles Magick, It's Not Over Yet and Golden Skans.

The judges described the album as "rock meets pop meets dance - the Klaxons take us on an ecstatic musical adventure".

The Klaxons, who have been together for only two years, consists of frontman Jamie Reynolds, singer and keyboarder James Righton, guitarist Simon Taylor-Davis and drummer Steffan Halperin.

Previous winners of the Mercury Prize include Pulp, Franz Ferdinand, M People, Suede, Ms Dynamite and Badly Drawn Boy.

The Mercury Music Prize, which is voted for by a panel of industry experts, journalists and artists, was first held back in 1992.

Last night's awards ceremony was once again held in London's prestigious Grosvenor House Hotel.

The article Klaxons scoop Mercury Prize originally appeared on 999 Today