British ventriloquist Paul Zerdin voices his joy at America's Got Talent win

A British ventriloquist who has performed for the Royal Family has won America's Got Talent.

Paul Zerdin said the victory is "the most amazing feeling" and thanked voters for helping him win season 10 of the show.

In a Vine posted on the show's twitter feed he said: "I can't believe it. It's the most amazing feeling and I thank everyone so much for voting for me."

The talent show, on which Spice Girl Mel B is a judge, is watched by millions and produced by Simon Cowell's Syco Television.

Scot Stevie Starr, known as the Professional Regurgitator came fourth, while British magician John van der Put performing as Piff the Magic Dragon also made the top 10.

Zerdin, who has appeared at the Royal Variety Performance and is a former children's television presenter in the UK, won one million dollars (£645,120) as part of his prize and has been given a show at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas.

He first performed as a magician on the BBC's Tricky Business before going on to host Rise And Shine for GMTV, having been inspired to go into ventriloquism a decade earlier when a family friend made him a puppet theatre, with which he put on shows at the age of 10.

His characters include cheeky pre-teen Sam, pensioner Albert and Baby.

He has previously said: "The real turning point was when I was given a book on ventriloquism by the legendary Ray Alan. By the time I hit my teens I was spending half an hour a day in front of the mirror practising talking without moving my lips."