Jones' fortune has now risen to �150m

The Sunday Times' Rich List shows Jones' wealth increased from �110m in 2002 to �150m in 2003, putting him ahead of stars such as David Bowie, Eric Clapton and composer Sir Tim Rice.

Heading the chart is Sir Paul McCartney (�760m), followed by stars including as Lord Lloyd-Webber (�400m), Sir Mick Jagger (�175m), Sir Elton John (�170m) and Sting (�165m).

Jones has enjoyed one of the sharpest increases in personal fortunes - up �40m - behind Sir Paul McCartney (�47m), lifting him from 18th place in 2002.

Tour

No-one was available from Jones' management company to comment on the rise in the star's fortunes.

UK'S TOP 10 POP RICH LIST 1. Sir Paul McCartney - �760m 2. Lord Lloyd-Webber - �400m 3. Sir Cameron Mackintosh - �335m 4. Madonna �227m 5. Robert Stigwood - �199m 6. Sir Mick Jagger - �175m 7. Sir Elton John - �170m 8. Sting - �165m 9. Tom Jones - �150m 9. Keith Richards - �150m

Jones, 62, is currently on a 15-date tour of the UK, which kicked off in Cardiff on 18 April.

The star's career over the past 40 years has seen him amass riches through record sales from Delilah to the hit collaboration Reload.

Jones received a sales-boosting lifetime achievement Brit Award in February, just weeks after the death of his mother.

A recent poll by Chat magazine on women who cheat on their partners revealed that Tom Jones is one of the male celebrities women would most like to be unfaithful with.

The venue in Treforest, south Wales, where Jones began his singing career recently re-opened as Tom's and announced it was starting a "fame academy" to find new singing talent, backed by the star.