The band's website says the awards ceremony was a 'top night'

The four friends from Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan, landed radio station XFM's live breakthrough act prize at the Vodafone Live Music Awards.

The band beat off competition from the Arctic Monkeys, Dirty Pretty Things and The Fratellis.

The Automatic started playing together at primary school and had their first major hit, Monster, this summer.

Since forming in Cowbridge, not known for its rock 'n' roll heritage, their disco-punk has established them as one of the rising stars of the UK music scene.

Band members Rob Hawkins, James Frost, Alex Pennie and Iwan Griffiths, said they were delighted to win the award, presented at London's Camden Roundhouse .

A concise statement on the band's website said: "Thanks to all the XFM listeners for voting. Nice."

Among the night's other winners were Razorlight, Muse, U2, The Who and Take That, who won best live return.

The Automatic, who are currently on a UK tour, also performed at the ceremony.

Their record label b-unique is also home to the multi award-winning Kaiser Chiefs.