Staines renamed after Ali G embarrassment

The town used as the launch-pad for Sacha Baron Cohen's comedy career has opted to change its name to remove the stigma left by Ali G.

Councillors in the Surrey town of Staines agreed to rename their home as Staines-upon-Thames, in a bid to shake off the legacy left by the foulmouthed comic character.

Celebrations were held in the town on Sunday after the name-change, with a maypole dance and a regatta.

A councillor told the BBC that the decision went further than Ali G and was an attempt to highlight the proximity of the river.