Barbados honours homecoming singer Rihanna

R&B star Rihanna has a new honour to add to a string of hit singles – the title of honorary cultural ambassador for her native Caribbean island of Barbados.

Prime Minister David Thompson made the announcement in the capital Bridgetown to honour the 20-year-old singer, born Robyn Rihanna Fenty.

Mr Thompson said the government will recognise the star by giving her a "piece of the rock" - a plot of real estate in an exclusive area of St James parish.

Rihanna burst onto the music scene in 2005 with her debut album 'Music Of The Sun'.

Accompanied by R&B singer Chris Brown, she arrived on the island yesterday afternoon from London, where she attended the Brit Awards ceremony.