The former manager of teenage singer Charlotte Church has spoken of his regret that he will not be with her as she soars to greater heights of stardom.

The Welsh star announced on Monday night that she is parting company with Jonathan Shalit - the man credited with transforming her into a top-10 star.

He discovered he was out after receiving a letter from solicitors acting on Ms Church's behalf.

A statement released by London-based solicitor P Russell & Co said: "Charlotte Church this week parted company with her management Shalit Entertainment.

"No decisions have been made about future management, or need to be made just yet, as Charlotte is now back in school for a few weeks."

It is believed that her family may try to have a greater input in guiding the youngster's career.

Discovered

Mr Shalit, 37, discovered Charlotte in August 1997, auditioning her at her music teacher's home.

He spent a year nurturing her talent and won her a deal with music giant Sony Records.

Speaking of his regret that he would not be with Charlotte to see her stardom reach even greater heights, he said: "She will be an international star all her life. She's a young Streisand.

"She will sing major stages throughout the world, she'll be in movies, she'll be on stage, she will sell millions of records.

Shalit, whose contract was due to run until 2002, said the matter was now in the hands of his solicitor, but he would "make every effort possible" to avoid it going to court.

Reflecting on his first encounter with her at the age of 11, he added: "With Charlotte's fantastic voice is a wonderful personality and a real beauty as a person. That package made my hair stand up on end."