Finnish heavy metal band Lordi, who wear monster costumes and use pyrotechnics, have won the Eurovision Song Contest.

More than 18,000 fans packed an Athens arena to watch the 51st annual competition.

Rapper Daz Sampson represented the UK with his song Teenage Life, but only managed 19th place.

Daz Sampson was cheered on by British supporters, with thousands of fans travelling to the event from across Europe.

A ballerina appeared from a piano during Russian entrant Dima Bilan's performance of Never Let You Go, which came second.

Lithuania's group LT United tried to persuade the world that the title of their song We Are Winners would come true.

But the continent was captivated by Lordi's spectacular performance.

Germany's entry was country and western song No No Never by Texas Lightning.

Greek singing legend Nana Mouskouri (left) joined hosts Maria Menounos (right) and Sakis Rouvas during the ceremony.

Israeli soul singer Eddie Butler performed Together We Are One for his country.

Arsenium featuring Natalia Gordienko and Connect-R flew the flag for Moldovan pop with their song Loca.