Rock with Laughter night stars win comedy awards

Top comedians Sarah Millican and Graham Norton were rudely interrupted at Birmingham's Rock With Laughter variety show last night, to each be given a top comedy award.

The pair were just two of many stars of comedy and pop performing at the LG Arena. An audience of 14,000 were thrilled to be part of a live satellite link-up with the British Comedy Awards which was also taking place in London, hosted by Jonathan Ross.

Norton, who was the first non-Midland host for the annual event, appeared shocked to receive his best entertainment personality award and said: "You're kidding, no." He said the honour was "absolutely brilliant".

• See pictures from the Rock with Laughter show in our gallery to your right

But he was not the only one to receive an accolade as Millican herself was later presented with the Queen of Comedy award, as voted for by the public. She received her award back stage from Dara O Briain, who encouraged her to well up with emotion and cry.

Alongside her on the bill were O'Briain and Jimmy Carr while the musicial part of the showcase was provided by seventies pop band 10cc, singer Gabrielle and Marti Pellow of Wet Wet Wet fame. The mix of comedy and music, which has proven so popular since the event began in 2005, was yet again a winning combination.

As well as the main acts there was also a display from The Circus of Horrors, which have appeared on Britain's Got Talent and also The Dohl Drummers, fresh from their performance on the Royal Variety Performance. The show continues tonight.