Panettiere to be honoured for dolphin protest

Heroes star Hayden Panettiere is to be honoured for raising awareness of the issue of whale and dolphin slaughter in Japan.

The actress will receive the Wyler prize at the upcoming Genesis Awards, which are organised by the Humane Society of the United States.

Panettiere, better known as Claire Bennet in the hit US show, joined a group of protesters who tried to disrupt a dolphin hunt in Taiji, Wakayama last year.

"We feel Hayden is a very worthy successor to Sir Paul McCartney, last year's Wyler Award recipient," explained Beverly Kaskey, Senior Director of the Humane Society's Hollywood Office.

"She's an inspiring example to her generation, using her compassion, courage and celebrity to help animals in a very effective way."

The ceremony will take place at the Beverly Hilton hotel in California on March 29.