Ed Sheeran has beaten early favourite Sam Smith to become the first winner at the 2015 BRIT Awards by scooping the British Male Solo Artist prize.

Actor Orlando Bloom and pop star Rita Ora were on hand to present the award to Sheeran, who also triumphed over Damon Albarn, George Ezra and Paolo Nutini to pick up the first prize at London's O2 Arena on Wednesday (25Feb15).

The moment marked Sheeran's third ever BRIT Awards win.

Taylor Swift opened the show with a performance of her hit Blank Space. Other performers are set to include Smith, Kanye West and Madonna.