Jennifer Ellison_Rear of the year

Former soap star Jennifer Ellison has fought off tough competition to win Britain's Rear of the Year.
Ellison who is also well known for her stint in the West End hit Chicago is no stranger to awards - in 2004 she won the TV cookery show Hell's Kitchen.

She said: "I am thrilled to be voted Rear of the Year 2008. My love of dancing throughout my life has obviously contributed to a nicely toned rear. I'd like to say a big 'thank you' to everyone who voted for me."

Another soap favourite, Coronation Street star Ryan Thomas, was honoured for possessing the best male backside.

This year's awards are in support of the Jeans for Genes charity, which helps to fund research and care for children with genetic disorders.

Organiser Tony Edwards said: "During more than a quarter of a century of spotlighting top celebrity bottoms, the annual Rear of the Year awards have become something of a national institution and we believe it is important that this essentially fun event should now continue into the future with strong links to charity awareness."

Previous recipients of the awards, now in their 26th year, include singers Charlotte Church and Robbie Williams, presenter Denise van Outen, and footballer Ian Wright.

Last year weathergirl Sian Lloyd became the oldest ever winner of the coveted title at the age of 49.