Sopranos creator honoured

The Sopranos creator David Chase was awarded the inaugural Governor's Award For Film-Making by Acting New Jersey Governor Richard J Codey on Friday.

Chase was honoured with a lavish 150-guest reception ceremony at the governor's Drumthwacket mansion which focused on his loyalty to the state where he grew up.

Codey said: "David's creative writing and rich character illustration have produced a show unlike anything else on television. It is an honour to present this award to a New Jersey native who never forgot his roots."

Accepting the award Chase, who has won numerous accolades for his portrayal of Mafia boss Tony Soprano, said: "It's a huge thrill. I've grown up in this place, read history books - books on New Jersey, the Jersey Devil, all that colonial history. To be part of that continuum is really thrilling."