U2 won Best International Group and were honoured for their 'Outstanding Contribution to Music' at last night's Brit Awards in London.

They also received the loudest reception of the night for a barnstorming set featuring 'One', 'Beautiful Day', 'End Of The World' and 'Mysterious Ways'.

'This is the year for hip-hop and R&B but they've given the award to a sort of guitar band with soul and attitude... but it's not The Corrs, it's U2.' said Bono, stepping up to receive the first award.

The band were presented with the Outstanding Contribution To The British Music Industry award by Noel Gallagher of Oasis who said, 'This award goes to a bunch of guys who have made an outstanding contribution to my record collection, your record collection and probably even the record collections of the cool people from Brighton. From the Republic of Ireland, be upstanding and show some respect for U2.'

Bono noted British figures and institutions who have helped U2 over the years, since the band signed to Island Records in London in 1978.

'There's been more than one Brit who's helped us over the years - Brian Eno, Steve Lillywhite, Chris Blackwell, NME, Q, Radio 1, The Beatles...and three of them were Irish...Oasis...and two of them are Irish. Thank you for your patience. We've been in a few odd places over the years. Thank you.'

He then opened the band's short set by dedicating a song to Craig David the 19yr old British singer with six nominations at The Brits who failed to win in any category.

Robbie Williams bagged three awards to add to the nine he already has from The Brits while indie newcomers Coldplay won 'Best British Group' and 'Best British Album' awards.

Among other acts triumphing at the Awards were Fatboy Slim, who picked up the 'Best British Dance Act' award and Westlife, who won 'Best Pop Act' award.

Complete list of winners at Brits 2001.