Rihanna appointed ambassador to Barbados

Rhianna has been named an honorary ambassador for culture and youth by her native Caribbean island of Barbados.

The 20-year-old singer - whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty - was the guest of honour at a tribute rally and concert on Thursday, where Prime Minister David Thompson bestowed her with the title.

She says: "I really don't know what to say. I am so grateful and I have never been more proud to be Bajan."

The island nation's government will also reward Rihanna's cultural contributions by giving her "a piece of the rock" - a plot of land in the exclusive Apes Hill area of St James parish.