Sting attacks critics of Geldof's parenting skills

British rocker Sting has attacked critics of pal Bob Geldof's parenting skills - slamming accusations the Live Aid organiser has neglected his teenage daughters by spending too much time promoting

charity projects.

Geldof has cared for his children Fifi, 22, Peaches, 16, and Pixie, 14, since the 2000 death of their mother Paula Yates, and also adopted Yates' daughter Tiger Lily, from her relationship with late INXS frontman Michael Hutchence.

But Sting is disgusted that the former Boomtown Rat has been blamed for allowing his daughters to enjoy wild nights out in raunchy outfits.

He says: "I think Bob has done really well. They're really lovely, great kids. He's had to bring them up in really difficult and painful circumstances and he has really done a great job. He's an amazing father.

"I've been really lucky. I've not had such difficult circumstances, but being a father is always hard."

Geldof is a long-time supporter of British lobby group Fathers For Justice, who are campaigning to establish the same rights for dads as mothers receive under British law.