Westlife win Record of the Year

Boyband Westlife have scooped the Record of the Year 2003 title, making it a hat-trick for the Irish crooners.

They proved they still had a loyal following by beating off competition from 10 other finalists in a telephone and text vote across the ITV regions in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland last night.

Westlife, who topped this year's contest with their version of Mandy, have previously won with Flying Without Wings and My Love but had not been nominated for two years.

Busted came second with Year 3000, followed by Daniel Bedingfield with If You're Not The One.

The sixth annual live event was hosted by Cat Deeley from the ITV London studios, said a Granada spokeswoman.

The lads said they were "shocked and amazed" at winning the accolade which proved that despite being "old fellas" their fans had not deserted them.

They said last night: "This year, honestly we didn't know what was going to happen - we haven't been nominated for the past two years. It's unbelievable.

"We thought honestly we'd get 2nd or 3rd behind Busted and Daniel Bedingfield. We were surprised by the votes.

"To get 1st place was amazing. We were really shocked. We're old fellas now, and we've come back and won The Record of the Year 2003.

"We know we've still got fans. People are still voting for us and it means a hell of a lot, it's so emotional."

After accepting the award, the group took the opportunity to squash any rumours they might be splitting later this year.

"People are wondering when it's going to end for us. Never! The five of us don't want it to end, it's like a marriage."

Although the band are now flying to India to film a new pop video, they said they would still find time to celebrate their win.

"It's was unbelievably nerve-wrecking. Fair play to everyone that was here tonight, it was great fun backstage, we were having a laugh and a couple of bottles of champagne."

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