A HAMPSHIRE musician has scooped a historic honour at last night's Brit Awards.

Coldplay, including band member Southampton's Will Champion, has been named Best British Group.

They dedicated their award to male and female musicians in refugee camps around the world.

Southampton-born Will, who attended Cantell School and is a Saints fan, is the rock band's drummer.

This is the fourth time Coldplay has won this award, making them the most successful group in the category.

The four-piece performed Hymn For The Weekend, their new hit, to open the evening at London's O2 Arena.

The band also headlined the half-time show at Superbowl 50 in California earlier this month.

British actor turned Hollywood star Simon Pegg presented them with the award.

Lead singer Chris Martin referenced the members of boyband One Direction as he pointed to his fellow Coldplay members, saying: ''What a treat from Harry, Zayn, Liam and me, Niall.''

He added: ''We'd like to dedicate this to all the young men and women musicians in refugee camps around the world.

"They could be us and we could be them, so we send them our love and thank you so much for giving us our job.''

Will, 37, attended Portswood Primary School and later Peter Symonds College in Winchester before University College London, where he met the other members of Coldplay.

He learned piano and violin from the age of eight and guitar from 12 while also becoming proficient on bass guitar and tin whistle.

His musical abilities are in the genes.

Parents Sara and Tim, who were both lecturers at the University of Southampton, where Tim still works, used to DJ as Champion Tunes.

Will had been the group’s rhythm guitarist, but took over the sticks after Coldplay’s original drummer was ditched.

Here is a full list of all tonight's winners:

:: British male solo artist: James Bay

:: British female solo artist: Adele

:: British group: Coldplay

:: British breakthrough act: Catfish And The Bottlemen

:: Brits global success award: Adele

:: British single: Adele: Hello

:: MasterCard British album of the year: Adele: 25

:: International male solo artist: Justin Bieber

:: International female solo artist: Bjork

:: International group: Tame Impala

:: Critics Choice: Jack Garratt

:: British artist video: One Direction