Grantham VegSoc was set up by 22-year-old Sammy Keetley and her friends a couple of months ago, to provide information, support and good company for vegans and vegetarians, plus their friends and family.

Sammy Keetley, 22, said: "We wanted to promote the positive social side of veganism and vegetarianism.

"I think a lot of people have a negative view. We want to get a better public image and encourage restaurants to have better options on their menues."

The group manned a stall at the market last Saturday to raise awareness, giving away tasters, handing out leaflets and selling recipe books.

Sammy, who became a vegetarian aged 12 and became a vegan two-and-a-half years ago, is keen to attract all types of people, including meat-eaters, to the society's monthly meetings and social events.

She said: "We understand a lot of vegans and vegetarians don't have vegan and vegetarian friends. It's open to everyone of all age ranges.

"We want to encourage parents to come along if they have questions about children who have become vegans or vegetarians."

Anyone is welcome at the society's next meeting, which will be held at Costa Coffee, St Peter's Hill, from 1pm on Saturday.

More information on Grantham VegSoc can be found on the group's Facebook page, or you could e-mail granthamvegsoc@hotmail.co.uk

Have you set up a society or group? E-mail your news and views to comment@granthamjournal.co.uk

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