Australian pop singer Kylie Minogue has won the top honour at an awards ceremony organised by Glamour magazine.

She was named Woman of the Year at the glitzy awards bash in London.

Minogue, 37, was honoured for her courageous battle against breast cancer.

She was not present at the ceremony but thanked the public in an emotional message.

"The last year has been my least public but, in many ways, the most," Minogue said.

"Your support has been an enormous help and I hope to be back with you all in person very soon."

Kylie Minogue: "Your support has been an enormous help and I hope to be back with you all in person very soon."

Minogue, who has also starred in Australian soap Neighbours, was diagnosed with the disease in May 2005.

British star Naomi Watts scooped Film Actress of the Year following her roles in King Kong, The Ring Two, Ellie Parker and Stay.

Welsh pop singer Charlotte Church was named UK Solo Artist of the Year, while Billie Piper was named TV Actress of the Year for her performance in Doctor Who.

The Sportswoman of the Year award went to equestrian star Zara Phillips.

Other winners at the Glamour magazine awards included Sharon Osbourne - who was TV Personality of the Year - and Sugababes, who took Band of the Year.

British supermodel Naomi Campbell won an outstanding contribution award at the London ceremony.

Just one accolade was given to a male. It went to British actor Paul Bettany, who was named Man of the Year.