Actress Elizabeth Banks is to receive a special award from a parenting charity for setting a good example to other mothers.

The Hunger Games star, who has two sons who were born via surrogate, will be honoured by America's March of Dimes organisation at a gala luncheon in California next month (Dec14).

Banks will receive the group's Grace Kelly Award for being a good role model.

She will accept the honour at the March of Dimes Celebration of Babies event hosted by actor Jason Bateman on 5 December (14).