Britney Spears' return to form has been sealed with a new Rolling Stone cover.

The star graces the prestigious U.S mag for the fifth time after a five-year leave of absence from cover-girl duties.

Her tumultuous couple of years seems a distant memory as a relaxed and laughing Britney poses in a midriff-baring grey T-shirt and jeans.

With a recent number one US single, Womanizer, and new album Circus out next month, Britney has come along way since since taking clippers to her locks in February 2007 - and the new cover shoot is the icing on her comeback cake.

Her wholesome appearance in the December issue is quite a departure from her previous Rolling Stone form (see below), which saw a partially-clothed Britney posing provocatively for the camera.

See some more of Britney's hottest magazine covers below