A REDDITCH actress used a graphic way to try and encourage other people to ditch the meat and become vegan.

Near-naked, except for body paint to make her look like a Yeomen Warders' uniform, vegan 'Beefeater' Loretta Hope from Dolben Lane stood outside the Tower of London with a sign reading, "Beefeaters: No! Vegans: Yes, Please!" on Tuesday morning, a day before St George's Day, to encourage her fellow citizens to kick their meat-eating habit for their health, the environment, animals and England.

Ms Hope, aged 23, said: "As St George showed us, humans will go to extremes to save their own lives, but our nation's addiction to the fatty flesh in burgers and bangers is hurting – not helping – England.

"We are here to let our fellow citizens know that vegans are, on average, 10 to 20 pounds lighter than meat-eaters are – and since they're not contributing to animal suffering, their consciences are lighter, too."

Anyone interested in getting a free vegan starter kit, visit PETA.org.uk.