Paris Hilton snapped in Southampton

SHE is known the world over, gracing the covers of celebrity magazines and living the high life.

But celebrity socialite Paris Hilton had to make do with rather less glamorous surroundings when she visited Southampton yesterday.

The star was in town to meet up with her boyfriend Benji Madden, guitarist with American punk popsters Good Charlotte.

The band, who have had several hits including Lifestyles of the Rich And Famous and The Anthem, played the second show of their UK tour at Southampton Guildhall to a packed out crowd last night.

Miss Hilton, who has been seeing the guitarist since February, has joined the band on the road for their six-date UK tour. Outside Southampton's top music venue, a crowd of paparazzi photographers gathered, waiting for a glimpse of the hotel heiress, Inside the gig, the 27-year-old could be spotted watching from the side of the stage, protected by a team of minders. But despite the media frenzy, fans insisted they were not fazed by the presence of the multi-millionairess.

Devoted Good Charlotte fan Kim Thorn, from Weston, Southampton, said: "We waited outside the Guildhall from 4pm but we weren't waiting to see Paris, we wanted to see the band.

"It's the music we are interested in, not Paris Hilton."

Miss Hilton, who in 2006 released her own debut album Paris, is heir to the Hilton Hotel fortune and has appeared in a number of hit reality TV shows such as The Simple Life. Last year she spent two days in jail for violating probation for driving offences.

Despite her family being hotel magnates, it is reported that when in Liverpool earlier this week she stayed in a city centre hotel with rooms from just £45.

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