A wannabe vegan from Watford has won a national competition to help kick-start her efforts.

Vegetarian Julia Ireland, 25, of Cassiobury Park Avenue, won a hamper full of vegan goodies after entering Animal Aid’s competition.

The contest, part of vegan awareness month, required entrants to state why they should win the prize. There were some imaginative and comical answers, but Julia’s stood out from the rest.

Julia said: “I have to make a confession - I love meat which is why becoming vegetarian has been such a struggle for me. However one year on from committing myself to a vegetarian lifestyle I have kicked the unpleasant habit and now want to tackle that next hurdle.

“Any support I could get with this would be great and I bet a hamper full of goodies to remind me that an animal product free diet need not be boring would be an excellent start!’

Vegan month aimed to promote the positive benefits of an animal-free diet and to show any vegetarians or hopeful vegans that adopting an animal-free diet is a lot easier than people might think.

Julia’s hamper will be full of luxurious treats from Booja Booja truffles and organic wine, to cosmetics and cookery book to get her off to a flying start.

Vegan Month Coordinator Kelly Slade said: “Animal Aid was encouraged by Julia’s commitment to her new veggie lifestyle and willingness to help the animals further by replacing dairy and eggs in her diet.

"With vegan foods – including non-dairy milk, cream, yoghurt and much more – now found easily in high street shops and supermarkets, Julia won’t have a problem. I hope she enjoys her prize.”