Amy Winehouse named 'top heroine'

British singer Amy Winehouse has been voted the ultimate heroine by young people, according to the results of a new poll.

The troubled 24-year-old, who has publicly battled with her addictions to drink and drugs, beat Princess Diana, Mother Teresa and Florence Nightingale to the position among under-25-year-olds.

Football star Steven Gerrard was named the top hero among under-25s in the sky.com poll, followed by Babyshambles front-man Pete Doherty.

Psychologist Donna Dawson said that the findings indicated that we need to identify with our female icons, whereas we need to admire our male ones.

She explained: "The majority of the top ten women chosen, such as Diana, Princess of Wales and Amy Winehouse, seem to portray a certain sense of vulnerability or have had to fight against some adversity in their lives.

"By comparison, the male heroes are generally much stronger, dominant figures, and are known for their talent, rather than their personality or the impact they have had on the world."