A Brazilian beauty and a French adonis have taken the accolade of World's Most Beautiful Bottom 2008.

Hosted in an old Parisian swimming pool, 45 finalists from around the world displayed their bums to convince an eight-strong jury.

Jury chairman Adriana Karembeu, a model famous for her work with the Red Cross, said a beautiful bottom has to meet certain criteria.

"Well there are craters for the bottom, it has to be very firm, it has to have a nice shape, the texture of the skin has to be perfect, but also the whole package: presence, good energy, good proportions," she said.

The winners received a £12,500 cash prize, a modelling contract and some exclusive insurance for the most precious part of their body.

The price for the woman's most beautiful bottom went to Brazilian Melanie Nunez Fronckowiack who dedicated her victory to her country.

"Brazil! It's great to be here to represent our country, kisses to every-one, a kiss for something beautiful," she said.

The nicest man's bottom went to French financial analyst Saiba Bombote who put his success down to his parents.

He said: "It's great, it's a great homage from me to my parents, I have mixed origins, thanks to my father from Mali and my mother from Poland, so for me it's amazing."

© Independent Television News Limited 2009. All rights reserved.