Take That singer Gary Barlow has been named the greatest British songwriter of all time.

Barlow topped a poll ahead of former Beatles stars John Lennon and Sir Paul McCartney, who were second and third respectively.

As well as writing for Take That, Barlow has also collaborated with the likes of Charlotte Church and Atomic Kitten.

A spokesperson for one poll said: “Gary has been responsible for some of the biggest hits of the past decade.”

The top five was completed by Coldplay's Chris Martin and George Michael.

(by Jason Gregory)