Singer Alex Kapranos collects the Best British Rock Act award

The band won the coveted Best Group and Best Rock Act, beating off competition from bands like Muse, The Libertines, Snow Patrol and Keane.

They played their first gig to just 40 people two-and-a-half years ago and have since played to audiences across the world.

Frontman Alex Kapranos said: "We've had a smashing time and we think it's time for someone else to have a go."

The four-piece act were shortlisted in five categories, but missed out on Best British Live Act, which went to Muse.

'Artrock' heroes

Franz Ferdinand released their debut album - written at Kapranos's Dennistoun flat in the east end of Glasgow - exactly a year ago.

They have been hailed as the standard-bearers for Britain's "artrock" movement, inspired by everything from Joy Division to Talking Heads.

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Their self-titled album went straight to number three in the charts.

Independent label Domino Records signed them up and their second single, Take Me Out, released last January, reached number three in the charts.

The band's highlights also include a memorable appearance at the Glastonbury music festival and their album going gold in the US.

Bass player Bob Hardy told BBC Scotland: "We never got the band together to win awards, we got the band together to play music.

"They are a nice distraction, if anything. It was a fun evening and we are really chuffed to be nominated with so many great bands."