The Vegetarian Society, the national registered educational charity promoting knowledge of vegetarianism in the UK, is celebrating the appointment of two new patrons - Stella McCartney and Jerome Flynn.

Stella McCartney, daughter of Sir Paul McCartney and the late Lady Linda McCartney, joins her father as patron of the Society. Sir Paul Cartney became a patron along with Linda in 1995. The Vegetarian Society approached Stella to enquire whether she would be willing to take on her mother's role as patron of the Society. Stella, now a famous fashion designer in her own right designing for Chloe International, is well known for her commitment to vegetarian and animal welfare issues. She is pleased to become a patron of the Society and notes,

"It is a great honour for me to be a patron of The Vegetarian Society. It is a brilliant organisation and you can support them by going veggie now!".

Jerome Flynn, currently appearing on our TV screens each week in Badger but also well known for his role in Soldier, Soldier, is equally committed to vegetarianism and animal welfare and has recently supported PETA's (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) campaign against leather. Speaking of his appointment as patron Jerome said,

I'm delighted to become a patron and to be able to support the work of The Vegetarian Society. The Society has an important role as an dependent voice for the UK's 3 million vegetarians and is leading the way in educating and informing teachers, caterers and manufacturers about this healthy and compassionate way of life.

I became a vegetarian when I was 18 after I was given some leaflets about factory farming and animal welfare by a vegan student at drama college. It made me aware of the cruelty involved in meat production and I realised that I couldn't continue to add to the suffering by being a meat eater."

Tina Fox, Chief Executive of The Vegetarian Society, was delighted to welcome two new patrons in the same week and said,

"Every week 5,000 people switch to a meat free lifestyle and by adding their voices to this number, Jerome and Stella will help to keep vegetarianism on the nation's agenda"