Jennifer Ellison has the Rear of the Year!

Former Brookside star Jennifer Ellison has been voted the Rear of the Year for 2008.

The former Brookside star has fought off competition from some of Britain's peachiest celebrity posteriors to be crowned Rear of the Year by online voters.

"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," she said.

Coronation Street star Ryan Thomas was honoured for possessing the best male backside. The actor, who plays Jason Grimshaw, quipped: "It brings a new meaning to the phrase 'builder's bum'."

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 include Charlotte Church and Robbie Williams. Last year, ITV weathergirl Sian Lloyd became the oldest ever winner at 49.