Brit who watches over Brit

Nina is pop star's top of the cops

- PATRICK HILL

A FORMER British bobby is now pounding a very different kind of beat...as pop star Britney Spears' new bodyguard.

Nina Hobson served as a police officer for 15 years in the UK before becoming a private security expert.

And she is now busy making sure the Baby One More Time and Toxic singer is safe from harm.

Nina, 53, who runs her own security company in America, recently did her duty for Britney in Las Vegas.

And insiders say she is the chart-topper's No.1 bodyguard.

One said: "Nina was in charge, bossing the close protection guys around. She was the one in control.