Whitney comeback set for release

Houston appeared at the Grammy Awards earlier this year

Pop diva Whitney Houston's first album in seven years is set for UK release on 31 August and in the US a day later, her record company has announced.

The new record, which is being produced by Akon and the Black Eyed Peas' Will.i.am, is as yet untitled.

In recent years, Houston hit the headlines for her divorce from singer Bobby Brown and stints in rehab.

In February, she performed at a pre-Grammy Awards party and presented a prize at the US ceremony.

The 45-year-old singer, whose self-titled debut record became a hit in 1985, has sold some 170m records around the globe.

She has won a slew of awards during her career, including six Grammys and 23 American Music Awards.

Her 2002 album entitled Just Whitney, failed to chart in the UK.