SO she didn’t win the X Factor – but the odds are Cher Lloyd will end up a winner.

To finish fourth in Britain’s most-watched television talent show, particularly when more than 200,000 people entered, is a huge achievement in itself.

We thought she handled herself admirably in Saturday night’s live final. For a 17-year-old to sing so confidently with a world superstar like the Black Eyed Peas’ Will.i.am shows Cher has an inner strength.

And she had needed that steely nature in recent weeks.

Some national newspapers have actively encouraged a hate campaign against her. And that is shameful.

These are the same newspapers that campaign against the cyber bullying of teenagers. Yet they have allowed a teenager to be bullied mercilessly on their websites.

Sadly, this newspaper’s website has also had comments from people who should think before they type.

Disliking Cher’s musical abilities is one thing, but launching personal attacks about a 17-year-old’s looks and background is beyond the pale.

It is a sad sign of our times that this behaviour is so prevalent.

Cher can console herself with the knowledge that the numbers professing to “hate” her are dwarfed by the 1.1 million backing her on her Facebook page and all those who voted for her during the X Factor.

All the signs are that she will land a major recording contract and head towards the top of the charts.

Her style of music is certainly contemporary and is the genre that dominates the charts these days.

We wish the youngster all the best for the future.

If readers will pardon the pun, the outlook looks very sunny for Cher.