The Vegan Society is targeting the Scottish and UK governments with a petition calling on public sector institutions to provide at least one vegan food option on every menu every day.

Campaigners say there is potential for England to become the first country in Europe to enshrine a right to good quality, affordable, plant-based food in law.

Veganism is a protected belief under the Equality Act 2010 England, Scotland and Wales, but many hospitals, schools, universities, councils and prisons fail to offer vegan food, with patients and schoolchildren "often going hungry".

During the Party Conference season this autumn, The Vegan Society is campaigning to protect the rights of vegans for their health, the environment and animals.

The charity will hold a series of fringe events and hold stalls at the conferences, educating attendees about the rights of vegans and lobbying for change.

Louise Davies, head of campaigns, policy and research at The Vegan Society, said: "The Government is responsible for ensuring that our public sector provides for vegans in the UK and the proposed legislation would assist in fulfilling that obligation.

"Provision for vegans in the public sector is lacking, with hospital patients and school children often going hungry."

Portugal has introduced legislation compelling all public sector canteens to provide a vegan option on their daily menus.

Market round-up

C&D Auction Marts Ltd had a small show of prime cattle in Dumfries on Wednesday that lacked flesh with 8 heifers selling to a top of 211p per kg and averaging 196.4p, while a prime bullock fetched 196p.

Cattle in the rough ring also lacked flesh with 25 beef cows selling to 147p and averaging 108p, while 41 dairy cows peaked at 135p and levelled at 95p.

The firm also sold 712 prime lambs to a top of £90 per head and 188p per kg to average 171p (+1p on the week).

A good show of 701 cast sheep were also firmer on the week with heavy ewes selling to £133.50 for Texels and averaging £64, while light/export-type ewes peaked at £89.50 for Cheviots and levelled at £39.

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd had 942 prime lambs forward in Newton Stewart on Wednesday when well-fleshed lambs were easily sold. Top prices on the day were £87 and 196p with the overall average levelling at 169.1p (+1.6p).

Cast sheep met a good trade for the time of year with 222 heavy ewes selling to £139 for Beltex and averaging £61.40, while 248 light ewes peaked at £69 for Cheviots and levelled at £38.10.