THE Vegetarian and Vegan Foundation has produced a colourful booklet for parents who want to rear their children on a meat-free diet.

Kids Go Veggie includes information on foods to avoid and which foods to choose, listing which vitamins and minerals are needed for a healthy, balanced diet.

A spokesman for the VVF said: "Eighty per cent of our children are eating an appalling diet based on white bread, processed snacks, biscuits, chips and chocolate confectionery. Children are eating too much total fat, saturated (mostly animal) fat, animal protein, salt and sugar and not enough fibre, complex carbohydrates, fresh fruit and vegetables."

Copies of Kids Go Veggie cost £2 including postage and packing and are available from the VVF at 12 Queen Square, Brighton BN1 3FD. E-mail: info@vegetarian.org.uk or check the website www.vegetarian.org.uk for more information. Alternatively, phone 01273 323456.