Swedish singer Mans Zelmerlow has triumphed at this year's Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, beating Russia's Polina Gagarina.

Zelmerlow won with his upbeat pop track Heroes, which was accompanied by innovative animated visuals.

Italy were third, followed by Belgium. Australia finished fifth in the country's first Eurovision appearance.

The UK's 1920s-influenced swing act Electro Velvet finished 24th out of the 27 participants with five points.

A record number of countries took part, including Australia - which was invited to compete for the first time to mark the event's 60th anniversary.

Electro Velvet said: "Obviously it is disappointing to finish on the right hand side of the board, but we have had the most amazing, brilliant, unforgettable time being part of this unique competition in this special year.

"We put our hearts and souls into representing our country and would like to thank everyone back at home and around the world that got behind us.

"It really means a lot and of course we also want to congratulate Sweden and Mans Zelmerlow on their well-deserved victory."

Zelmerlow was the bookmakers' favourite throughout the build-up to this year's contest.

"I'm so happy and I want to say thank you for voting for me," he told the crowd. "I want to say we are all Heroes, no matter who we love, who we are or what we believe in - we are all heroes."

It was Sweden's sixth Eurovision win - meaning they are now just one victory behind the contest's record holders Ireland, who have won seven times.
(BBC)