CHARLOTTE CHURCH - CHURCH BEATEN IN PROPERTY PURCHASE

Teenage superstar CHARLOTTE CHURCH has been forced to reconsider what she'd like for her 18th birthday present - after her parents lost out on buying her a $491,000 (GBP289,000) house.

The VOICE OF AN ANGEL singer - who becomes an adult on 21 February (04) - was set to be given the four-bedroomed property, which is nearby her parents house in Cardiff, Wales.

But a better offer from a rival buyer saw MARIA and JAMES CHURCH's generous idea wrecked.

Maria says, "It's a pity, but our plans have fallen through."

Charlotte gains access to her trust fund, worth an estimated $27 million (GBP16 million), when she comes of age.