More than 500,000 copies of Voices of the Valley have been sold

However, the Froncysyllte Male Voice choir did perform World In Union with Katherine Jenkins at the ceremony.

They also sang the Welsh national anthem Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (Land of My Fathers) in the Royal Albert Hall.

Their Voices of the Valleys CD was beaten by Sir Paul, who won the award for a work inspired by his love for his late wife Linda.

Bryn Terfel, Katherine Jenkins and Sting had also been shortlisted in the category.

Before Thursday's ceremony, members of the Fron choir, which features policemen, builders and accountants, said they were "very excited".

Founder member Danny Williams, 75 , who has been with the choir for 60 years, said he could not believe they were at the ceremony.

"We have never had recognition like this, it is so exciting," he said.

"We have sung in the Royal Albert Hall before, but never in this atmosphere."

The choir have performed at many Eisteddfods

More than 60 members of the choir attended the event, including 17-year-old Luke Laker, who had three days off from Ysgol Ruabon to be there.

"I am getting used to it - I joined in September, just before the fame started," he said.

The best album award was decided by a public vote.

More than 500,000 copies of Voices of the Valley have been sold since The Fron was signed up by Universal after being spotted at a wedding by the former manager of boy band Blue.

Sir Paul said he started writing his album, Ecce Cor Meum, before his wife Linda died of breast cancer in 1998.

Apart from the Fron, Sir Paul beat off competition from Sting, who was nominated for his collection of lute music, and Bryn Terfel's Tutto Mozart.