Amy Winehouse’s father Mitch had to collect his daughter’s Ivor Novello Songwriting Award last night because she didn’t turn up in time.

The singer scooped the prestigious prize for hit single Love Is A Losing Game.

‘Unfortunately Amy couldn’t make it, but she is getting better and sends you all her love,’ the taxi driver explained.

The 24-year-old finally made her entrance at the Grosvenor House Hotel as Mitch, 57, was talking to the audience.

‘[She arrived] literally as the award was being given to her dad,’ says her spokesman.

Amy, 24, later admitted she was ‘very excited and very flattered’ by the accolade.

Mika, 24, was named Songwriter Of The Year and Beautiful Liar – performed by US stars Beyonce Knowles and Shakira – won Bestselling British Song for its UK writers.

Phil Collins, 57, picked up the International Achievement Award and Take That‘s Shine was named the Most Performed Work.

Full list of winners

Best Song Musically and Lyrically Love is a Losing Game. Written and performed by Amy Winehouse

Best Contemporary Song People Help the People. Written by Simon Aldred, performed by Cherry Ghost

Best Original Film Score Atonement. Composed by Dario Marianelli

Best Television Soundtrack Oliver Twist. Composed by Martin Phipps

PRS (Performing Right Society) Most Performed Work Shine. Written by Take That and Stephen Robson, performed by Take That

Bestselling British Song Beautiful Liar. Written by Ian Dench, Mikkel Eriksen, Amanda Ghost, Tor Erik Hermansen and Beyoncé Knowles. Performed by Beyoncé and Shakira

Album Award In Rainbows. Written and performed by Radiohead

Outstanding Song Collection Gabrielle

Ivors Classical Music Award Jonathan Dove

Ivors Inspiration Award Jazzie B

International Achievement Phil Collins

PRS Outstanding Contribution to British Music Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook

Songwriter of the Year Mika

Lifetime Achievement David Gilmour

Special International Award Diane Warren