MEGA-BAND Muse from Teignmouth have scooped another national prize — with their eye-catching album sleeve being named as the best record cover of 2009.

Artwork for The Resistance this week won the Best Art Vinyl prize, beating 50 obscure and well-known vinyl record sleeves from last year.

The artwork will now take centre stage in an exhibition at the Art Vinyl gallery in the Selfridges department store in central London.

It can also be viewed at three other locations, in Birmingham, Folkestone and east London.

Art Vinyl director Andrew Heeps said the award, now in its fifth year, was 'a great way to celebrate the unsung heroes behind the art and design of some of our favourite bands and artists'.

Artwork for The Resistance, released last September, was the work of London design firm La Boca.

It is the latest of many awards won by the band in the past 12 months, including prizes at the Q Awards, NME Awards and MTV Awards.

Other Muse-inspired artwork that caught the eye in recent weeks was the image of laser lights at the band's widely publicised brace of homecoming gigs at Teignmouth last September.

Photographer Lizzie Everard captured the unforgettable image of lights stretching out from behind the tower of St Michael's Church, Teignmouth.

Five thousand cards were then printed before Christmas and sold off to benefit Teignmouth charity the Helen Foundation and St Michael's Church roof.

Helen's father Roger Kirk said: "The cards sold really well, raising £250 for each charity. Many people have approached us since, asking if there are any left.

"The cards are blank inside for your own message and, like puppies, are not just for Christmas."

Copies of the memorable image are available at £2.50 for 10 with envelopes, or £3 to be posted to anyone in the UK.

Inquiries should be sent to the Helen Foundation, Shaldon TQ14 0EH or by email to contact@thehelen foundation.org.uk