Angels miss out at Classical Brits

Former choristers Blake, who formed on social networking website Facebook, triumphed over Shropshire's Melanie Nakhla of All Angels and Fron Male Voice Choir to win Album of the Year at the Classical Brits.The quartet, who got together a year ago, scooped the hotly-contested award voted for by classical music fans for their self-entitled debut album.

It topped the poll ahead of All Angels' second album Into Paradise, and the Shropshire-border choir's Voices from the Valley - Encore, with both groups missing out on the gong for the second year running. Last year they were beaten by Sir Paul McCartney.

The biggest star of this year's showcase was composer Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber.

He was honoured with the Outstanding Achievement prize for his musical legacy which includes unparalleled success in music theatre with West End box office smash hits including Jesus Christ: Superstar, Cats, Evita, Starlight Express, Phantom, and more recently The Sound of Music and Joseph.

Accepting the accolade, he said: "I am the wrong person to be receiving this award. It should go to my brother Julian who has been a tireless fan and advocate of British music."

He also paid tribute to his late father, Bill, and dedicated the award to him.

Last night's ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall in London was presented by musician and television presenter Myleene Klass, who wowed fans first on the red carpet arriving in a long, strapless, yellow Ellie Saab dress, before gracing the stage in a stunning, ruffled, creation by Zuhair Murad.

Other winners included Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti who made it third time lucky by finally picking up the gong for Young British Classical Performer or Group.

The Best Female Artist award went to Russian soprano and famed opera singer Anna Netrebko, who dueted with famous tenor Andrea Bocelli to bring the evening to a climax.

Melanie Nakhla later enthused: "It was an absolutely fantastic evening. I think I was able to enjoy the performances more because we weren't performing this year.

"It was great to be back and an honour to be nominated again."

Asked what the highlight of the evening was for her, the former Prestfelde school pupil from Shrewsbury replied: "It has got to be the final performance, particularly Anna Netrebko. She has such a fantastic voice and such a presence.

"I am also glad that Nicola Benedetti won. She actually stayed with me in Shrewsbury when she performed at St Chad's.

By Sunita Patel at the Royal Albert Hall