GEORGE CLOONEY - CLOONEY TO BE MADE HONORARY CITIZEN

Hollywood actor GEORGE CLOONEY is set to become an honorary citizen of the Italian village he has adopted as home.

The OCEAN'S ELEVEN star - who owns a $9 million (GBP5 million) villa in Laglio on the shores of Lake Como - is to be rewarded by the villagers for helping to boost their property with tourism.

The presence of the former ER star, 42, has placed the 900-strong community on the tourist map. CATHERINE ZETA-JONES and BRAD PITT have both stayed at the 19th century VILLA OLEANDRA which boasts 25 rooms and a swimming pool.

Mayor GIUSEPPE MANTERO says, "All we are waiting for is the go-ahead from our Home Office.

"For this kind of thing they have to check that the person doesn't have a criminal record. There should no problem.

"Mr Clooney has done so much in the way of putting us on the map. Before, if you typed Laglio into an internet search engine it would ask you if you meant Luglio - meaning July in Italian."

Clooney - still struggling with his Italian - "He has a friend who translates for him" - has become a big hit with locals.

Local newsagents FILIPPO ZOANNI says, "He (Clooney) comes to Laglio mainly to recharge his batteries and wants to be treated like everyone else here.

"He likes nothing better than to pop into the bar for a quick drink and not to be treated like someone famous."