A boy became the envy of children - and adults - everywhere after winning the chance to meet former S Club 7 beauty Rachel Stevens.

Benedict Montgomery, eight, beat dozens of hopefuls in a competition run by radio station Southern FM to meet the pop idol.

His dream came true when he and his parents Adrian and Sharon popped into the studios yesterday.

Benedict, who attends St Bernadette's School in Brighton, has long been a fan of the singer, who is now pursuing a solo career, and has got all of S Club's CDs and DVDs.

Listeners were asked to ring in with questions they would like to put to Rachel. Benedict's was judged the best: "If you were allowed to have anything in the world what would you do and why?"

Benedict, of Wolverstone Drive, Brighton, said: "She is my favourite from S Club. I jumped up and down when I found out I'd won."

Adrian, 43, a financial adviser who admitted he was a tad nervous at meeting Rachel, said: "He's so excited. His friends have gone mad. They are really envious. My boss is jealous of me and wanted to be Ben's father for the day!"

Rachel's debut solo single, Sweet Dreams My LA Ex, will be released on Monday.