American comedienne and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has been named woman of the year by animal rights organisation, People For The Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), for promoting a lifestyle which is friendly to nature.

Tim Gunn, who appears on fashion programme 'Project Runway' in the US, was named man of the year, reports contactmusic.com.

'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. 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,' said PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk.

DeGeneres, who fronts a self-titled show, said she was delighted by the honour.

'I'm honoured PETA named me 'Person of The Year'. I thank them for protecting animals every single day. Amazing,' she tweeted.

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

While 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.