Jools Holland: Co-hosted the ceremony

The Best Album prize went to former Art Blakey saxophonist Jean Toussaint for The Street Above The Underground, which has been described as "a classy adventure in electric jazz".

Veteran lyrical interpreter Winstone was named Best Vocalist while versatile saxophonist Alan Barnes was Best Instrumentalist.

New and ground-breaking musicians were also a part of the inaugural awards.

Trumpeter Chris Batchelor made the year's Best New Work, according to the judges, while latin-influenced Alex Wilson confirmed his reputation as one of the hottest new talents with the Rising Star Award.

Iain Ballamy, the saxophonist and composer, was praised for the best innovation, and legendary Ronnie Scott's club founder Pete King rounded the awards off with an honour for services to jazz.

'More influential'

TV host Michael Parkinson, Rolling Stones star Charlie Watts, BBC Radio 3 presenter Stacey Kent and drum and bass musician Roni Size were among those handing out the awards.

The ceremony's organiser Terry Carter said the awards have been started because jazz is becoming more and more influential.

"The Awards are a celebration of this marvellous musical form and a UK jazz scene that is more vibrant than ever," he said.

"European jazz is beginning to set the music's agenda and through its broadcasting, BBC Radio is at the forefront of this movement."