Italy honours Colin Firth

Colin Firth has received one of Italy's highest honours.

The actor, 44, whose wife is Italian documentary-maker Livia Giuggioli, was awarded the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity for his promotion of the country's image in the UK.

Firth, star of Bridget Jones's Diary, Pride And Prejudice and Love Actually, said recently: "Italy has become a big part of my life. I love it. It's a huge blessing. I sort of married a whole family and a whole country."