Kitten purrs at rear award

Natasha Hamilton makes up a third of Atomic Kitten

Atomic Kitten's Natasha Hamilton and former Boyzone singer Ronan Keating have been crowned Rears of the Year 2003.

Liverpool-born Hamilton celebrates her win just eight months after giving birth to her son Josh.

Keating's win proves he has made the successful transition from boy band favourite to solo star.

The annual award caused controversy last year after Charlotte Church was crowned winner at the age of 16.

Previous celebrity winners of the 21-year-old contest have included Carol Smillie, Ulrika Jonsson and Denise van Outen.

Picking up her award, Hamilton said her mum would be "proud" of her.

"I'd never really thought about it before but I suppose people have remarked about it in the past. I always thought it was a joke, though," she said.

The 20-year-old joked: "I was wondering how they'd vote - do they take snidey pictures of your bum all year round?

"I think my trophy will take pride of place on the mantlepiece."

Irishman Keating, 26, did not attend the presentation because he is on tour around the UK.

Previous male winners have included former Take That stars Gary Barlow and Robbie Williams and TV presenters Graham Norton and Frank Skinner.