Scottish rockers FRANZ FERDINAND have been crowned this year's (04) winner of Britain's coveted MERCURY MUSIC PRIZE.

The TAKE ME OUT stars' eponymous debut album was the panel's number one choice at the London ceremony last night (07SEP04), beating out offerings from artists like THE STREETS, JAMELIA, JOSS STONE and KEANE.

The band had emerged as the favourites to scoop the prize in the weeks leading up to the event.

But Ferdinand frontman ALEX KAPRANOS admits they hadn't prepared for actually winning the $36,000 (£20,000) cheque, telling the music industry-heavy crowd they were 'very chuffed and very honoured'.

Albums by THE ZUTONS, AMY WINEHOUSE, SNOW PATROL and BELLE AND SEBASTIAN were also nominated this year.