Actress Jennifer Ellison said today she was 'thrilled' to be named Rear of the Year.

The former Brookside star fought off competition from some of Britain's perkiest celebrities to in the online vote.

Cheeky side: Jennifer Ellison was named Rear of the Year today

It is the latest award for Ellison to add to her trophy cabinet, having previously turned up the heat to win TV cookery show Hell's Kitchen in 2004.

'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.

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'Thrilled': Jennifer Ellison shows off her new award, while Coronation Street star Ryan Thomas also won for best male backside

Another soap favourite, Coronation Street star Ryan Thomas, was honoured for possessing the best male backside.

The actor, who plays labourer Jason Grimshaw on the ITV1 show, quipped: 'It brings a new meaning to the phrase "builders 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.

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Look behind you! Previous Rear of the Year winners include Sian Lloyd in 2007, singer Javine in 2006 and Charlotte Church in 2002

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Remember when: Ulrika Jonsson scooped the prize in 1992 while Denise Van Outen won the title seven years later

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 of the awards, now in their 26th year, include singer Charlotte Church as well as TV  presenters Denise van Outen and Ulrika Jonsson.

Last year weathergirl Sian Lloyd became the oldest ever winner of the coveted title at the age of 49.