X Factor judge Simon Cowell is more famous than God or the Queen, according to a survey of children.

God was number two in the poll of 1,600 children under the age of 10 by Luton First, according to Press Association.

Asked what to name the best things in the world, the children rated good looks at the top of their list, followed by riches and then fame in third place.

The worst thing in the world was being fat, followed by divorce.

Asked what rules they would make if they were king or queen of the world, most of the children surveyed said they would ban divorce – the first time it has topped the list since the first survey four years ago. They also said they would ban bullying.

Patricia Murchie, of Luton First, said: "It seems clear that many pre-teens are more concerned than ever with their looks and weight - possibly reflecting media images of glamour, and new educational initiatives in nutrition and healthy eating.

"This particular age group has some very clear ideas on how the world could be changed for the better, but are very rarely given the opportunity to express them."

More than 80 per cent of the children polled said they would probably marry when they grew up, while 17 per cent said they would not.

Around two thirds of the children said they were happy, while 27 per cent said they were not and seven per cent said they were not sure.

Most of the children polled said Saturday was the best day in the week because there is no school and they can stay up late to watch television.

Nearly all had a best friend who was kind, while many said they were in love.