The soul singer, who was mocked for speaking in an American accent at the Brits last month, waxed lyrical about the UK and said success for the campaign would help the world "blend and become one".

A group led by legendary English-themed cafe Tea & Sympathy and Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Atlantic wants the new branding for the area around Greenwich Avenue in honour of the numerous British businesses in the district.

It would follow the tradition of ethnic enclaves of New York being named accordingly.

"Britain deserves its own ’little’ version," Joss said.

"Why not? They have Chinatown and Little Italy and Indian streets. Britain is a wicked place full of culture and great people.

"You won’t find a proper English pub or chippy anywhere but England. Even a proper cup of tea is difficult.

"So why not bring a Little Britain to New York and other cities?

"We can all blend and become one, then the world will be a happier place in the great scheme of things."

She added: "I’m English; it would be wrong if I wasn’t backing the campaign."

Designer Sir Paul Smith, actor Mike Myers, London-born OC star Mischa Barton and comedian Billy Connolly are also supporting the campaign, which was launched in Greenwich Village today.

Joss urged to dump posse? - Mar 14 2007
Joss Stone has apparently been told to get rid of her "undesirable" pals - if she wants more career success.

The 19-year-old’s management fear her hangers-on are leading her astray after she turned up an hour late for a gig last week.

"Joss has been stung by all the criticism she has faced of late - especially as her latest single didn’t set the charts alight," a source told the Daily Mirror. "But her people believe the root of the problem is closer to home. They think she has to take a deep look at those she’s surrounding herself with.

"She’s always been friends with an older, more streetwise set, but there’s a feeling that they’re leading her down the wrong path - especially considering how young she is.

"There’s a concern that she has grown up too fast too young, and there are private fears for her emotional stability. Her people are keeping a closer eye on her at the moment.

"At least she has been keen to heed their advice and has already begun losing people who some may consider to be a bad influence."

Fans left angry by Stone’s club gig - Mar 8 2007
Singer Joss Stone has infuriated fans who waited over two-and-a-half hours to see her perform at one of her gigs.

The 19-year-old was booed by the crowd at London’s Koko club on Tuesday night before she finally took to the stage.

Once there she rambled away in "excruciating" manner between songs, according to one critic.

And it prompted one fan on an internet messageboard to say: "This was one of the worst gigs I have been to in a long, long time - who exactly does she think she is?"

The Devon teenager first raised eyebrows at the Brit Awards last month when she strutted around the stage and spoke in an American accent.

She has replaced her hippie look and flowing blonde hair with bright red curls and mini-dresses.

On Tuesday night the doors opened for her gig at 7pm but it was 9.40pm before she arrived on stage, despite there being no support act.

In a review headlined "Dross Stone", Evening Standard music critic David Smyth wrote: "You have to be truly fabulous to win back a crowd that is booing before your arrival, and she wasn’t fabulous enough."