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Welsh singer-songwriter Duffy was virtually unknown just 12 months ago yet she was the toast of the Brit Awards after winning a series of trophies.

The 24-year-old from Bangor capped a remarkable year by taking home awards in the Best British Female Singer, Best British Breakthrough Act and Best Album categories.

Her debut album, Rockferry, was released in March 2008 and went on to sell five million copies worldwide.

After being handed her first award from countryman Sir Tom Jones, she said: “I travelled this whole country, from Wales to London and back again a thousand times, playing my songs to old ladies, who are probably watching the TV tonight saying they heard some of my songs. So thank you to the British public. I can’t tell you what this means after five years. Thank you so much.”

Picking up her second gong, for best breakthrough act, she joked: “I’m starting to recognize your faces — I don’t mean to be greedy and take another one home, but thank you so much.”

Backstage when the awards were over Duffy said: “I’m overwhelmed. I didn’t think I would win three awards. The chances were slim. It’s been the most amazing night.” She would be heading home to Wales after the event where her aunt planned an “open-house party”.

Duffy was nominated for the best British single award which was voted for by the viewers during the night – Girls Aloud picked up their first Brit award in seven years for their single ‘The Promise’ and beat their competition from Leona Lewis and Coldplay.

A little light hearted entertainment was provided by Kylie Minogue, who gamely performed her single ‘I Can’t Get You Out Of My Head’ with some very unlikely-looking backing dancers  -  James Corden and Matthew Horne of BBC comedy series Gavin And Stacey.

Kylie hosted the show and looked elegant in a white slashed to the thigh Alexander McQueen gown and her backing dancers – the actors – struggled through a robotic dance routine in tight-fitting red dresses.

Take That also performed their hit single Greatest Day which was another highlight of the night. The band lost out to Elbow in the Best British Group category, Elbow also scooped up the award over Coldplay.

Coldplay, who are fronted by Gwyneth Paltrow’s husband Chris Martin, have won the best album trophy every time they have released a new record  -  until this year. The group proved they are not your usual rock-and-roll hellraisers by requesting a dressing room with a bed in it in case they needed a nap.

Badly in need of a lie-down was breakthrough singing sensation Katy Perry, who was named best international female. The American said she had dragged herself to the awards, despite being ill.