Nicole Richie has been labelled the worst dressed celebrity of the year by animal rights group PETA (People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals) after being spotted on several occasions wearing fur.

A PETA spokesperson said regarding the award: “This pelt wearing party girl is all animal skin and bones. Nicole’s an incredible shrinking woman with the heart to match.”

Ashley Olsen and Desperate Housewives Eva Longoria were also mentioned in the annual poll: “Wearing fur does add 20 pounds. But if Ashley wants to fill out her frame, we suggest using a fork instead.”

“And you’d think Eva Longoria would be more sympathetic to the plight of rabbits considering the way her character the way she screws around like one on Wisteria Lane.”

Paris Hilton scooped the award last year but reportedly gave up her real fur coats and accessories - and eating meat after watching a PETA video with Heather Mills.

The activist organisation are rumoured to be considering asking Paris to be their next ‘I’d Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur’ model, following in the footsteps of various supermodels and more recently Pamela Anderson.