Britney thanks fans for their prayers

Britney Spears has credited her fans for helping her battle her demons, suggesting her recent rehab spell was brought on by a bout of depression.

In a letter posted on her website yesterday, the pop superstar told devotees that their prayers "have truly helped me" as she faced some dark days after splitting from husband Kevin Federline late last year.

She wrote: "I am so blessed that you care enough about me to be concerned and (I) will continue to live in this brighter state with all of you by my side during this trying time.

"We are all the lights of the world and we all need to continually inspire others and look to the higher power. You are all in my prayers."

Suggesting she has rediscovered her faith, Spears signed off: "Godspeed."

The pop superstar is in the middle of a mini-comeback by performing 15-minute hits shows at House of Blues venues across America.

After playing three shows in California and a short gig in Las Vegas earlier this month, Spears has two concerts planned in Florida this weekend.

Meanwhile, her newly-updated website features pictures of Spears in less wholesome mode - she poses topless wearing only white gloves, which she uses to cover herself up, and a bleach blonde wig.