Roger Moore wins award for anti-foie gras campaign

British actor Roger Moore smiles after ceremonies unveiling his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California in this October 11, 2007 file photo.

LONDON (Reuters) - Former James Bond actor Roger Moore has been named 2009 Person of the Year by the UK branch of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) pressure group for his campaign against foie gras.

The 82-year-old star joined the campaign three years ago when he narrated a PETA documentary depicting the treatment of birds used in the production of foie gras, which PETA said was banned in the United Kingdom although selling it was not.

PETA said the video had been viewed more than 300,000 times on its websites.

Moore also wrote to members of parliament to enlist their support in getting foie gras off the shelves, penned columns in national newspapers and magazines on the issue and coined the phrase "torture in a tin."

Foie gras, a popular product of French cuisine, is made from the liver of a duck or goose which has typically been force-fed corn mash.

PETA said the animals lived in "constant fear and stress" because of the practice and many were unable to move because of their diseased livers.

"I am deeply touched and thrilled to be awarded the PETA UK Person of the Year," Moore said in a statement. "When I first saw their video footage on foie gras production three years ago, I felt compelled to do something to help put a stop to this cruel delicacy."

(Reporting by Mike Collett-White)