Finnish death metal band Lordi won a shock victory in the Eurovision song contest on Saturday.

Telephone voters from across Europe chose the group – who all wear latex monster masks – out of entries from 38 countries.

Their 'Hard Rock Hallelujah' received 292 points while Russian solo-singer Dima Bilan was second with 248 for 'Never Let You Go'. Bosnia's entry came third, group Hari Mata Hari earning 229 points for 'Layla'.

Lordi, frontman of the band that takes his name, said his victory was a good sign for Europe. "What this has shown is that there are different styles of music than just pop and rock," he commented. "That should be the goal of Eurovision."

"This is a victory for rock music and also a victory for open-mindedness," continued the singer, whose band always refuse to remove their masks in public. "We are not satanists. We are not devil-worshippers. This is entertainment."

Lordi's win was a first for Finland, where many had been concerned about allowing such a risky entry.