THE OC - THE OC STARS GET KEY TO REAL NEWPORT

The cast and producers of hit TV drama THE OC have been presented with the key to the real Newport Beach, California.

Creator JOSH SCHWARTZ and executive producer McG joined castmembers BENJAMIN McKENZIE (RYAN), PETER GALLAGHER (SANDY), MELINDA CLARKE (JULIE), ALAN DALE (CALEB) and season two newcomer MICHAEL CASSIDY (ZACH) at a special ceremony last Thursday (28OCT04).

Newport Beach mayor TOD RIDGEWAY proclaimed the day "OC Thursday", before the faux Newport residents set their handprints in cement for the stunning city's Walk Of Fame on the waterfront Balboa Pavilion.

Ridgeway paid tribute to the programme for boosting tourism in the region, since it debuted last August (04).

Season two of the OC premieres in America tonight (04NOV04).