Anne Robinson promotes Wales for free

Anne Robinson is promoting tourism in Wales during the foot-and-mouth crisis to make her peace with the Welsh.

The Weakest Link presenter agreed to take part in an advertising campaign for free and posed in a T-shirt saying Wales Open For Easter.

But civil rights group Cefn said using her in the campaign is tasteless and stupid after she criticised the Welsh on BBC1's Room 101.

Eleri Carrog, founder of Cefn, says: "It's like Ian Paisley wearing an 'I Love The Pope' T-shirt. Ms Robinson has not given a formal apology and I find it difficult to accept that this is sincere."

But Robinson said: "I'm amazed anyone can criticise me for doing this. I was only too glad to help - I know that Wales has breathtaking places which people across Britain should visit.

"I hope this will make my peace with people in Wales. I've had a lot of good times there in the past."

A spokesman for the Welsh Tourist Board said: "We approached Anne thinking she would refuse but to our delight she agreed to take part in the campaign. She was a good sport and posed happily in the T-shirt, probably to make up for what she said about the Welsh. She will certainly raise the profile of the campaign."