The xx win Mercury Prize 2010

The xx were yesterday crowned winners of this years coveted coveted Barclaycard Mercury Prize 2010 winners for their self-titled debut album.

The south London three-piece seemed stunned when host Jools Holland revealed the judges decision.

The shy trio beat 11 other nominees including Paul Weller, Dizzee Rascal and Biffy Clyro as an ecstatic crowd welcomed the news with glee. Along with the prestigious accolade came a cheque for £20,000.

'Wow. Thank you so much. We've had the most incredible year and it has just felt like every day we've just woken up to something incredible we just weren't expecting' said singer and bass player Oliver Sim.

'It has felt just like a haze. Being here is like a moment of clarity in all that's happening' told the audience at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

Simon Frith, Chair of Judges commented, "The xx have a unique sense of time and space – urban and enigmatic. The result is a wonderfully atmospheric album – sparse, urgent, hypnotic and powerful".

The trio's debut album had been hotly tipped for the award ahead of the ceremony.

Tonight's win should bring a huge boost in sales as in previous years.