CHRIS Green is not a model, saucy male centrefold, film star or sports personality.

But the 53-year-old, of Charlestown, Hebden Bridge, was still named Ultimate Man of the Year by women's magazine Cosmopolitan.

Chris achieved it by setting up the UK branch of the White Ribbon Campaign, created to end men's violence against women.

He was one of only three male winners in the magazine's annual awards.

"I was surprised to win because we are a young organisation. And I was very pleased that our campaign had raise so much publicity as a result," he said.

Chris received his award at a glitzy ceremony in London, hosted by Radio One DJ and TV presenter Fearne Cotton.

He was in the comp-any of stars such as Cameron Diaz, Angelina Jolie and Leona Lewis, who all received recognition.

But what does it mean to wear a white ribbon?

Chris says it is a personal pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.

The aim is to get as many men and boys as possible to wear the emblem for a week from November 25 – International Day for the Eradication of Violence Against Women.

"In trying to change the behaviour of men we're not male bashers because we are men, working with men, who care about what happens in the lives of men," says Chris.

And the campaign is more relevant now than ever.

The first weeks of the year are one of the busiest times for domestic violence services, according to anti-violence charity Women's Aid.

This year the average number of calls to the National Domestic Violence Helpline has already risen by 28 per cent – from 345 daily to 443.

Women's Aid, which also campaigns against domestic violence, says two women are killed every week in England and Wales as a result of domestic violence.

One in four women experience domestic violence at some point in their lives and 750,000 children are affected by abuse in the home.

The White Ribbon campaign began in Canada in 1991.

After only six weeks, 100,000 men across Canada were wearing a white ribbon and many others were drawn into discussion about domestic violence.

Chris has run the British branch from his home, which he shares with partner Linda Patterson, since 2004.

He combines his work for White Ribbon with lecturing at Manchester Metropoli-tan University.

"I was bored. I wanted to do something in politics, with men, that made a difference," he said.

"My father never did this to my mother. And I have never experienced domestic violence myself.

"I do this because I have a sense of responsibility.

"We want to prevent violence against women, prosecute offenders and protect the vulnerable.

"The satisfaction of hopefully stopping men being violent against women is my drive.

"When I see posts on the website from women who've been encouraged to leave violent relationships, it spurs me on to keep going. When you consider that a woman is attacked every 10 seconds in the UK, you understand how important our work is."

A big part of Chris's job is to promote the charity in schools, colleges and universities.

"I get really excited when we get invited to visit by a school council to take part in their personal and social education classes.
"One teacher told me that 25 per cent of their pupils had encountered domestic violence at some stage.

"It's my responsibility to let them know that just because their dad might mistreat women, it doesn't mean that they should."

Chris also encourages the famous to become ambassadors for the charity.
Arsenal, Liverpool, Everton, Derby County and Blackburn Rovers are just some of the Premiership teams whose managers wore white ribbons on International Day 2007.

"When I approach a football club for support I feel apprehensive. But footballers, ice hockey and baseball teams do want to be involved in the campaign.

"These are icons children and young men look up to and it's important for us to engage with them. We need to ensure that white ribbons are cool to wear."

He also works with the Council of Europe and women's organisations to spread the word.