Singer Morrissey has told of his joy after he was named People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals' (Peta) U.K. Person of the Year.
The vegetarian rocker banned meat products from being sold on his tour, blasted Britain's royal family for enjoying bloodsports, and screened Peta campaign messages at his concerts.
His highly public stunts in support of animal rights earned him the 2011 U.K. honour from Peta bosses last week (ends01Jan12) - and the former The Smiths star has vowed to continue his campaigning stance this year (12).
In a letter to Peta founder Ingrid Newkirk, Morrissey writes, "I am honoured beyond words to be named as Peta's Person of the Year! Higher praise is hard to come by! I make no sensational claims for myself... I simply say 'No' to any form of animal suffering, and to the execution of innocent beings. Peta remains indefatigable and visionary, and together we have the executioners on the run."