Dismay as Charlotte, 16 wins Rear of Year award

THE choice of 16-year-old singing sensation Charlotte Church for the annual "Rear of the Year" award was today greeted with dismay at the winner’s young age.

The teenager - who has recently shed her wholesome image in favour of a more raunchy look - was named this year’s winner of the Slendertone Flex Rear of the Year award.

Ms Church, from Cardiff, who was catapulted to international fame after singing for ex-US President Bill Clinton, is the youngest ever winner of the award. But the fact that she is still young enough to be at school has attracted criticism.

Edinburgh council’s Tory group leader Iain Whyte said: "While I understand that 16 is old enough to get married and take part in most aspects of adult life, this seems very insensitive. It seems to be trying to create a media bandwagon by attracting outrage.

"I am sure this is simply a marketing ploy on behalf of the company and I just hope that parents and children will see through it."

After receiving the award, the 16-year-old admitted that she had recently started working out.

She said: "I guess it must be having some effect. I’m so flattered and honoured but, to be honest, I have never thought my behind was my best asset."

Described as the girl with the voice of an angel, she has racked up more than 10 million international record sales.

She is the youngest artist to have a number one album in the UK classical charts.