Currently blazing a trail around the United States, The Thrills were yesterday among nine European bands to be awarded a 'Border Breaker' prize by the European Commission.

The awards, which were created on an initiative of the European Commission in collaboration with European music industry bodies, were held in the International Music Market in Cannes.

The 'Border Breakers' were awarded for debut albums that achieved the highest sales in the European Union in 2003, outside the band's own country of origin.