Perrier prize for US comic's first UK show

New Yorker Demetri Martin has won the 23rd Perrier Comedy Award for the best comedy act at the Edinburgh Festival.

The comic won with his show If I, which is about his obsessive youth. He was chosen from a shortlist which also included Flight of the Conchords, Adam Hills Reginald D Hunter and Howard Read.

Martin said: "Right now my mind is saying this is exciting and there may be some great opportunities which come from this, but my body is saying, 'hey mister, you just need some eggs and a good sleep'."

Nica Burns, director of the Perrier Comedy Award, described it as "a breathtaking win" for Martin on his first visit to the UK.

Martin is only the second American to win the Award. Rich Hall, as Otis Lee Crenshaw, won in 2000.

Gary Le Strange won the Perrier Best Newcomer Award. He beat Alex Horne, Miles Jupp and Michael McIntyre.