Cruise's Scientology charity

Showbiz

13:30 31 October 2005

Tom Cruise has received an award for becoming the biggest ever donor to the Church of Scientology.

The Hollywood actor, a devout follower of the controversial sect, was presented with the Diamond Meritorious Award for donating a staggering 2millionGBP to the organisation.

Tom's pregnant fiancée, Katie Holmes, joined him as he collected the accolade at a Scientology gala at the cult's UK headquarters in East Grinstead.

The couple were given a standing ovation from the crowd, which included 'Pulp Fiction' star John Travolta and his wife, Kelly Preston.

An audience member told Britain's Sunday Mirror newspaper: "It has been an amazing event and it is even more amazing that Tom has brought Katie. It feels really good knowing she is one of us now."

It is not the first time Tom has received a prize for his donations to Scientology - last year he was presented with the Platinum Meritorious Award for pledging 1.4millionGBP to the sect.

Earlier this year, it was revealed Tom hired a Scientology official to look after Katie during her publicity tour for 'Batman Begins'.

The Hollywood heartthrob reportedly asked church representative Jessica Rodriguez to join the 26-year-old beauty as she promoted the summer blockbuster around the world.

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