ELLEN DeGeneres has been named Woman of the Year by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta).

ELLEN DeGeneres has been named Woman of the Year by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta).

The US TV host was awarded the title for her work in raising awareness of Peta campaigns promoting a lifestyle that is friendly to nature.

Tim Gunn, who appears on the fashion programme Project Runway in the US, was named Man of the Year.

"Tim Gunn and Ellen DeGeneres show us that one person really can make a difference in the world by rejecting cruel deeds in favour of compassionate acts," Peta president Ingrid Newkirk said.

"Their message that animals must be treated kindly and respectfully has reached scores of people, and many of them have changed their buying habits, all because Gunn and DeGeneres spoke up for the voiceless."

DeGeneres, who fronts a self-titled show, said she was delighted by the honour. She tweeted: "I'm honoured Peta named me Person of The Year. I thank them for protecting animals every single day. Amazing."

Peta said it gave its accolade to DeGeneres for being vegan and championing the meat- and dairy-free lifestyle by inviting experts such as Jonathan Safran Foer and Neal Barnard on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Gunn's contributions include narrating the charity's Fashion Victims video, about extreme practices in the fur and reptile skin trade and for being creative director at fur-free fashion chain Liz Claiborne. Both stars will be awarded plaques and a letter of appreciation. - Bang