Scottish actor, Sir Sean Connery, a household name since the 1960s when he first played James Bond, is to join the UK board of Independent News & Media.

The 72-year old Sir Sean said he was approached to join the board by Independent's executive chairman Sir Anthony O'Reilly.

Independent News & Media is the dominant media group in the Republic, owning the Irish Independent and the Sunday Independent.

Sir Sean has joined the board of its UK operation which includes the Independent, Independent on Sunday in Britain and the Belfast Telegraph.

Speaking from his home in the Bahamas, the 007 star said: "Tony O'Reilly is an old friend and I was delighted when he asked me to serve on the Independent board.

"I admire what he is doing with the title, which stands as a voice of sanity and integrity in an industry whose standards I have had some cause to complain of."

According to the former JamesBond actor, he was looking forward to contributing to the board's discussions on the issues closest to him - the arts, sport and Scotland.

Independent News & Media bid unsuccessfully for the publishing arm of Scottish Media Group, being outbid by US group Gannett.

The Independent and the Independent on Sunday have the smallest circulation of Britain's national newspapers, but have set themselves apart in recent weeks by opposing a US-led war on Iraq. Sir Sean recently declared that he would only return to live in Scotland if it became independent.

He also revealed that he has paid £3.7 million (€5.45 million) in tax to the UK Treasury since 1997 despite living in the Bahamas.

Sir Anthony also keeps a home in the Bahamas at Lyford Key.