BRITAIN'S Metric Martyrs beat debt relief campaigners and pop stars to be named Campaigners of the Year last night, in a glittering ceremony in the heart of the European Parliament.

Sunderland trader Steve Thoburn, and Neil Herron, coordinator of the Metric Martyrs defence fund, who have both fought to keep pounds and ounces measures in Britain, received the award in person at the Palais of Egmont, in Brussels.

Mr Thoburn was taken to court for selling bananas by the pound on his Sunderland market stall earlier this year.

The pair beat off competition from prominent politicians and popular nominees, including U2 vocalist Bono, who campaigns for Third World debt relief and Irish pop group and copyright lobbyists The Corrs.

Instead, Bono was named European of the Year, and US President George Bush won the Non-European of the Year award.

Tony Blair, who supported the prosecution of the Metric Martyrs, won the European Leader of the Year award

Awards organiser Dennis Abbot said: "The irony of the Metric Martyrs winning this award is not lost upon us.

"Tens of thousands of people voted for them and I think that does send out a message to politicians and officials that they must consider the ordinary man and woman in the street in their decision making."

The cases of Mr Thoburn, and four other traders from London and Cornwall, were joined for a single appeal against conviction last month, with judgement expected soon.