A MODEL turned vegan campaigner from Dorchester made a bold statement in a St George’s Day pose to encourage people to stay away from meat.

Former Thomas Hardye School pupil Lora Leigh headed to the Tower of London where she joined a fellow campaigner in having her body painted like a Yeoman Warder’s uniform.

The vegan ‘Beefeater’ stood outside the tourist attraction with a sign reading ‘Beefeaters: No! Vegans: Yes, Please!’ PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) member Lora is hoping to encourage her ‘fellow citizens’ to kick their meat-eating habit for their health, the environment, animals and England.

The 25-year-old 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, ten to 20 pounds lighter than meat-eaters are – and since they’re not contributing to animal suffering, their consciences are lighter, too!”

To find out more about becoming a vegan or to order a vegan starter kit visit PETA.org.uk