Electro-pop singer Little Boots has been picked as the best new British music talent by critics and industry experts after topping the BBC's Sound of 2009 list.

Little Boots, aka singer Victoria Hesketh whose influences range from David Bowie to Kate Bush, topped the poll ahead of London rock band White Lies and singer-songwriter Florence and the Machine.

"It is amazing that so many people want to write about me and give me opportunities, and I'm so grateful for that," Hesketh told the BBC.

"For enough of those pundits to pick me as their favourite act is absolutely incredible and really mindblowing. I'm just so happy that it connects to those people."

This is the seventh year the BBC has run the poll which attempts to spot the best up-and-coming acts.

The list is compiled from the picks of more than 130 music critics and broadcasters from magazine editors to DJs and producers who choose their favourite three rising artists.

Last year's top tip was Adele followed by Duffy, who both enjoyed commercial success in 2008, while previous winners include Mika, Keane, and Corinne Bailey Rae.