In a TV interview aired in the US, Paris said: "She’s a very sweet girl and I love her to death."

"I wish the best for her and I just wish everyone would leave her alone so she could live her life," the 26-year-old hotel heiress told E! News. "She’s a great mother and a great girl and I really care about her."

Paris and Britney were nearly inseparable following the singer’s split from ex-husband Kevin Federline. The tabloid magnets were photographed partying and shopping in the weeks after Britney filed for divorce from Federline in November 2006. However, their whirlwind public friendship seemed to fizzle out after Britney’s fans apparently complained that Paris was a negative influence.

Earlier this month Britney was taken to an LA hospital after a stand-off with police at her home.

Last week a court commissioner decided to keep in effect an order suspending Britney’s right to visit her sons, Jayden, one, and Sean, two.

Paris Hilton crowned woman of year - Jan 16 2008
Paris Hilton, the 26-year-old actress-socialite, has been named Woman of the Year by a US comedy magazine.

She will travel to Harvard on February 6 to accept her award from Harvard Lampoon magazine, according to Regent Releasing, the company that is distributing her new comedy, The Hottie & the Nottie.

Hilton, whose body of work includes House of Wax and TV’s The Simple Life, stars as the attractive best friend to an ugly duckling in the new comedy, tipped for US release on February 8.

She also co-stars in the upcoming horror musical Repo! The Genetic Opera! which she began filming in Canada after serving a 23-day jail sentence in Los Angeles last June for violating probation in an alcohol-related reckless driving case.

Paris’ interview gold - Dec 27 2007
They might seem completely media savvy or even tight-lipped when it comes to interviews, but even celebrities can trip over their words - and come out some outrageous comments.

As the year draws to a close and we look back over another raucous 12 months in the world of showbiz, it’s always good to have a chuckle at the expense of the stars - and you can always rely on Paris Hilton to come up with the goods.

The blonde heiress will be remembered this year for her stint in prison and for the following quote in May: "Every woman should have four pets in her life. A mink in her closet, a jaguar in her garage, a tiger in her bed, and a jackass who pays for everything."

Let’s hope she can attract another ’jackass’ after that comment and following the news that her grandfather Barron Hilton is set to give 97 per cent of his wealth - and part of her inheritance - to charity.

Realated Link: Celeb quotes of the year

Paris praised over boozy elephants - Nov 13 2007
Conservationists in India have praised Paris Hilton for speaking out on her latest cause -- binge-drinking elephants.

Activists said such a celebrity endorsement would raise awareness of the plight of the elephants and they encouraged the US socialite and reality TV star to visit the remote region that is home to the world’s largest concentration of wild Asiatic elephants.

Sangeeta Goswami, head of animal rights group People for Animals, said: "I am indeed happy Hilton has taken note of recent incidents of wild elephants in north-east India going berserk after drinking home-made rice beer and getting killed."

Last month six wild elephants were electrocuted after discovering and drinking the potent brew, which farmers ferment.