GLASGOW was to the fore when the nominations for next month's Brit awards were revealed at a star-studded party in London last night.

City band The Fratellis, who performed at the bash at Hammersmith Palais, are up for British Breakthrough Act, while Glasgow-based band Snow Patrol took home three nominations for British Album, British Group and British single for their hit Chasing Cars.

Former Paisley chip shop boy Paolo Nutini is in the running for best British male solo artist.

However singing sensation Lily Allen leads the nominations for the Brits.

The 21-year-old - unknown to all but her online Myspace friends this time last year - is nominated in four categories, including Best British Female.

She is also in the running for Best British Breakthrough Act, Best British Album for Alright Still and Best British Single for Smile.

Her rivals in the Best British Female category are Amy Winehouse, Corinne Bailey Rae, Jamelia and Nerina Pallot.

Bailey Rae has two further nominations - Best British Breakthrough Act and Best British Single for Put Your Records On. Winehouse has a Best British Album nomination for Back To Black.

Best British Male is a five-way race between Paolo Nutini, James Morrison, Jarvis Cocker, Lemar, and Thom Yorke.

Best British Group will go to either Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian, Muse, Razorlight or Snow Patrol.

Arctic Monkeys, Muse and Snow Patrol are also nominated for Best British Album.

The awards - to be held on Valentine's Day - will be broadcast live on TV for the first time since 1989, when Mick Fleetwood and Samantha Fox formed a disastrous presenting duo.