A TINY district has turned to its homegrown heroes to act as ambassadors across the globe.

Derwentside District Council, in County Durham, has named seven of the area's more illustrious sons and daughters from the world of business, sport and the arts as ambassadors, and who promote the district in their working lives.

Hollywood star Alun Armstrong, England cricketer Paul Collingwood and children's author Terry Deary are among those selected for the civic honour after achieving success in their chosen professions.

They were honoured at a ceremony with a pendant that can be worn on formal occasions and a parchment.

Council leader Alex Watson said: "The council, like many of our residents, are very proud of the people of the district who have succeeded in their chosen professions."

This is the second set of the Ambassadors for Derwentside and comes five years after they were launched in 2000.

They will join the existing district representatives, who are: former England and Newcastle United manager Sir Bobby Robson, actress Denise Welch, Sunderland AFC chairman Bob Murray, 60s pop singer Susan Maughan, TV actress Angela Bruce, former world champion boxer and TV pundit Glenn McCrory, businessman Roger McKechnie and musician Ian McCallum, guitarist with punk rockers Stiff Little Fingers.