CHARLOTTE CHURCH - CHURCH TO KEEP TRUST FUND

Opera star CHARLOTTE CHURCH has laughed off reports she is going to "spend, spend, spend" her $30 million (GBP16 million) trust fund as she turns 18 tomorrow (21FEB04) - because she is sensibly going to keep her fortune out of reach.

The VOICE OF AN ANGEL singer dismissed tabloid suggestions she would gain early access to the fund on her 18th birthday and instead will continue to live off an allowance.

Church explains, "I'm not getting my money - full stop. It will stay in the trust fund until I learn the value of money and maybe that will take another 50 years.

"I don't need it, so what's the point? I might as well leave it where it is. I'm a proper home girl and I love being Welsh and living in Cardiff."

The young superstar is looking forward to receiving a music system and finally learning to drive.

Church enthuses, "My mum's buying me a hi-fi system because I haven't got one.

"I can't drive, but I suppose I'll have to learn soon and I'd love a sky blue MINI COOPER convertible with a rocking sound system."