9 JANUARY 2003
Rod Stewart's girlfriend Penny Lancaster is to be paid £200,000 to promote the latest line of lingerie from underwear label Ultimo. Michelle Mone, who runs the company, said that sales had "gone through the roof" since Penny first appeared in their advertisements last November and she is delighted the model has agreed to continue working with them for the next year.

"We have had our first ever January sale on the internet and sales are up an amazing 500 per cent," said Michelle from her office in Glasgow.

"We have had thousands of calls in the last few days with people spending up to £300 on our products in one go. It is a huge boost to have Penny's backing and she has become a good friend."

The mother-of-three is also looking forward to welcoming Penny and Rod to the launch party in Scotland of her new range. "I have had launches all over the world, but I am really looking forward to holding a major event in Scotland," she said.

The 31-year-old businesswoman first caught the fashion world's attention after inventing the bust-enlarging gel-filled bra, which was worn by Julia Roberts in the film Erin Brockovich.