Thandie Newton and David Haye have been named the Sexiest Vegan Celebrities of 2014.

The 42-year-old actress and the heavyweight boxer were awarded the joint title by animal rights group PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) for their efforts in promoting compassion for animals and encouraging plant-based eating.

The pair will receive a box of vegan chocolates and a framed certificate to recognise their achievement.

Thandie has been vocal in the past about her dislike of animals suffering and its effects on the environment.

She previously said: ''I don't want any kind of suffering of any living form .... animals are being pumped full of growth hormones which are then getting fed to our kids. And it's affecting the water, environment.''

The 'Crash' actress also once tweeted: ''While expressing my milk realised that the equivalent for cows is my milk going to the mouths of people who murder and eat my family #VEGAN. (sic)''

David only became a vegan at the start of the year after watching a documentary about how animals are prepared for people to eat.

He explained: ''I watched a TV documentary about how animals are farmed, killed and prepared for us to eat.

''I saw all those cows and pigs and realised I couldn't be a part of it any more. It was horrible. I did some research to make sure I could still obtain enough protein to fight and, once satisfied that I could, I stopped. I'll never go back.''

Thandie and David's victory means they follows in the footsteps of other big names who have won the accolade, including Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis, singer Leona Lewis, actress Lily Cole and comedian Russell Brand.