Emeli Sande has added to her British female solo artist title at the Brit Awards – by taking the coveted British album of the year gong as well.

The 25-year-old, who was nominated for three trophies, beat stars such as Jessie Ware and the late Amy Winehouse to land the solo artist award.

“This is a dream, really,” said ​Sande, who beat Alt-J, Mumford & Sons, Plan B and Paloma Faith to claim the album prize.

She thanked everyone “who made me feel like I’m part of something much bigger”.

The star collected her prizes a year after she won the Critics’ Choice Award at the Brits, which kick-started her career.

She was at London’s O2 Arena among the cream of British and international stars for the event.

Ben Howard also took home two gongs – the Brit Award for best British breakthrough act as well as best British male solo artist.

Mumford & Sons took the prize for best British group, having missed out when they were shortlisted in 2011.

Lana Del Rey won the best international female solo artist title, while Coldplay were awarded the best live act prize.

Adele took the best British single award for her James Bond theme Skyfall, and The Black Keys won the best international group title.

The international male solo artist gong went to Frank Ocean, while One Direction won the inaugural Brit Award for global success in recognition of their international sales.

The group’s Louis Tomlinson called the prize “absolutely mind-blowing”.

Muse opened the show with a typically robust performance of their song Supremacy – with thundering music, a dazzling light show and a 60-piece orchestra.

Other performers ranged from One Direction to American artists Taylor Swift and Justin Timberlake.

Presenter James Corden made reference to last year’s show in which he memorably cut off singer Adele as she collected her best album prize.

He pointed out that Swift had once been cut off mid-speech, but there was no chance of such an occurrence this time.

“Not on my watch,” he joked.

2013 Brit Awards video

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