Actor Sean Connery, best known for playing secret agent James Bond, has been voted the greatest British hero in a poll.

Rower Steve Redgrave, who won a gold medal at five consecutive Olympic games between 1984 and 2000, was second, and television chef Jamie Oliver finished third, thanks to a campaign he headed to improve school lunches.

Singer and Africa campaigner Bob Geldof was fourth, and entrepreneur Richard Branson came fifth. They were followed by football star David Beckham and singer Robbie Williams.

TV presenter and comedian Jonathan Ross, actor Ewan McGregor and Olympic gold medallist Kelly Holmes rounded out the top 10 of a 20-strong list.

The survey was carried out by the British amusement park Thorpe Park, which plans to name seats on a new rollercoaster after the country's 20 favourite heroes.

Editor: Donald