Leona Lewis up for US MTV award

Leona Lewis won best breakthrough artist at this week's MTV Asia awards

Leona Lewis, Duffy and The Ting Tings are amongst the acts nominated for a special British prize at September's MTV Music Video Awards in the US.

The pop acts go up against Coldplay and Estelle in the Best UK Video category, with the winner decided by public vote.

It has already been announced that comic Russell Brand, who caused a stir when he hosted the 2007 Brit Awards, will present the show.

The ceremony takes place at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles on 7 September.

Nominations for the VMAs are being revealed on a weekly basis in the run-up to the awards.

BEST UK VIDEO NOMINEES

Coldplay - Violet Hill

Estelle - American Boy

Leona Lewis - Bleeding Love

Duffy - Warwick Avenue

The Ting Tings - Shut Up and Let Me Go (pictured)

Britney Spears, who made a shambolic "comeback" performance at last year's show, stands to win best female video for her hit single Piece Of Me.

She faces competition from Jordin Sparks, Katy Perry, Mariah Carey and R&B star Rihanna.

Among the male artists vying for a coveted moonman statuette are Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, Usher, TI and Flo Rida.

Categories to be announced in the coming weeks include video of the year, best rock video, best new artist and best dancing in a video.

On 6 November, the MTV Europe music awards take place at Liverpool's Echo Arena.