Sir Paul McCartney has Brit of a pop at ex Heather

But last night, a triumphant Sir Paul McCartney sent a stinging rebuke to the former model when he dedicated his lifetime achievement award at the Brits to his first wife, Linda, who died of cancer almost ten years ago.

In a clear snub to Ms Mills, he closed the glittering ceremony with a medley of hits, including the Bond theme Live And Let Die, a song he wrote with Linda in 1973. His 15-minute performance earned a standing ovation from the 8,000-strong audience.

And although she wasn't in line for any awards, the troubled jazz and soul diva Amy Winehouse was the night's other star performer.

Fresh out of rehab, the 24-year-old received a rapturous reception as she performed Valerie with Mark Ronson, who picked up an award for Best Male Solo Act.

Winehouse urged the crowd at London's Earl's Court arena to "make some noise for my Blake". Her husband, Blake Fielder-Civil, is in prison awaiting trial for assault and lying to police.

Producer and DJ Ronson is the first non-singer to take the best male award. Ronson, who was born in the UK but moved to the United States aged eight, said: "I've never felt so British or male in my entire life."

Former boy band Take That took the British single of the year prize for Shine and were also named best live act.

The group – who split in 1996 but reformed a decade later, minus Robbie Williams – joked about their advancing years. "I'm 37, I've got an arthritic knee," Jason Orange said. "We stand before you bruised and battered, but dead chuffed."

Arctic Monkeys, the darlings of the indie scene, were named British group of the year and also took the British album of the year prize for Favourite Worst Nightmare.

The British female solo artist trophy went to singer-songwriter Kate Nash – like Winehouse, a former student at the London arts academy the Brit School. Beirut-born, London-raised Mika, whose flamboyant vocal style has been likened to Queen's Freddie Mercury, was named British breakthrough act.

Meanwhile, Kanye West and Kylie Minogue were named international solo acts of the year. Foo Fighters took prizes for international group and international album of the year for Echoes Silence Patience & Grace.

The show, was hosted by Ozzy Osbourne and his family.

Other presenters included Lord of the Rings star Sir Ian McKellen. The openly gay actor told the audience: "If you're wondering what I'm doing at the Brits, I came to meet Mika."

Doctor Who star David Tennant, Gossip singer Beth Ditto and Michelle Ryan, the Bionic Woman star, also appeared.

But the night belonged to Sir Paul. Remarkably, this was his first Brit. Those expecting a reference to his recent woes were left disappointed, as he gave only the briefest of speeches.

"I'm hugely privileged to have been in the Quarrymen, the Beatles, Wings and (to have done] the solo stuff," he said. "British music is the best."

Beatles classics Hey Jude, Lady Madonna and Get Back completed his set, along with Dance Tonight from his latest album, Memory Almost Full.

Prior to accepting his award, the 65-year-old said: "It's actually not (for] lifetime achievement. I try to avoid those because it feels like you're going to die the next second."

WINNERS ON THE NIGHT

Best British Male: Mark Ronson

Best British Female: Kate Nash

Best International Male: Kanye West

Best International Female: Kylie Minogue

Best British Group: Arctic Monkeys

Best International Group: Foo Fighters

Best Live Act: Take That

Critics' Choice: Adele

Best Breakthrough Act: Mika

Best International Album: Echoes, Silence Patience and Grace by Foo Fighters

Best British Single: Shine by Take That

Best British Album: Favourite Worst Nightmare by Arctic Monkeys

Outstanding Contribution to Music Award: Sir Paul McCartney