Sweden Victorious At Eurovision Song Contest

Sweden has won the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest while the UK managed to avoid "nul points" - just.

The 28-year-old Swedish singer Mans Zelmerlow, one of the favourites in the Vienna final, scooped victory with his performance of Heroes.

Netting 365 points, he saw off stiff competition from Russia and Italy to take the title.

The UK entry Electro Velvet managed to narrowly avoid the wooden spoon of receiving zero marks by scraping together five points for their performance of Still In Love.

The disappointing result for the British duo of Mick Jagger tribute Alex Larke and former Voice contestant Bianca Nicholas, left the UK languishing in 24th place out of 27.

Australia, entering the competition for the first time as a special guest to mark the 60th anniversary of the iconic contest, ended up in a respectable fifth place with Guy Sebastian's rendition of Tonight Again receiving 196 points.

Only Austria and Germany failed to receive any marks.

The kitsch competition was accompanied by an outpouring of real-time reaction on social media to the weird and wonderful acts associated with the annual event.

Austria drew a mixed response with its act that included a flaming piano, while the French entry included a small army of drummers dressed in nude bodysuits.

Lithuania won plaudits for what appeared to be its support of gay rights with its performance including a double same-sex kiss.

And TV cook Nigella Lawson, known for her sultry tones, caused an excited stir on Twitter with her delivery of the UK's votes.

Collecting his trophy from 2014 winner Conchita Wurst, Zelmerlow said: "I just want to say we are all heroes no matter who we are or what we believe in."

His win means Sweden will stage next year's contest.

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."