The Kaiser Chiefs cleaned up at last night's Brit Awards, taking home a hat-trick of honours.

The band were the event's big winners as they picked up more awards then any other artist.

They won Brits for Best British Group, Best British Rock Act and Best British Live Act at the ceremony at London's Earl's Court.

Three of the band members, Simon Rix (bass), Peanut (keyboards) and Nick Hodgeson (drums) met in the same class at St Mary's Catholic School in Menston, while singer Ricky Wilson is from Ilkley.

The band opened proceedings with a spectacular rendition of their hit single I Predict a Riot, performing on a red carpet.

Picking up the Best Rock Act trophy, the band appeared visibly humbled by the experience, with front man Ricky telling the crowd of celebrities and well wishers: "This is our first Brits, we were not meant to win this one. This means the world."

The awards cap a sensational 12 months for the five-piece band who were nominated in several categories at the prestigious music awards including Best Album and Best British Breakthrough Act.

Earlier this week bassist Simon Rix, said the band were most keen to pick up the best Live Act award, as they fiercely prided themselves on their live show.

After starring on last year's NME tour the band went on to have three top-ten hits with Everyday I Love You Less and Less, I Predict a Riot and Oh My God.

Their debut album Employment, released in March, has sold more than 1.6 million copes worldwide.

The band made history in July when they opened the Philadelphia leg of the anti-poverty Live 8 concert, the only British band to play at the American event.

They played more than 200 gigs last year, including well received shows at the Glastonbury and V2005 music festivals.

Former Bradfordians to pick up trophies at the awards include solo artist Tasmin Archer and last year's big winners Franz Ferdinand, whose bassist Bob Hardy is from Wyke.