HYNDBURN folk are following in the footsteps of Hollywood superstars, with scores taking up the latest diet craze.
Meat sales in the borough have soared as more and more people opt to follow the high-protein Atkins Diet.
The controversial slimming regime, followed by actresses Jennifer Anniston and Courtney Cox, has attracted the attention of millions of people in the UK.
Followers are encouraged to eat large amounts of protein such as meat, eggs, fish and cheese but are warned off carbohydrates such as pasta, bread, potatoes and rice.
The diet has provoked heated debate, with many experts warning of possible health effects, but dieters across the UK remain defiant.
It's good news for Hyndburn's butchers, who say that many of their regular customers are devotees of the diet.
Roger Swire of Libberton's in Crown Street, Accrington, said the diet had given the area's meat and poultry trade a boost. And it's not just the business side that has pleased Mr Swire, he is also a devotee of the diet which he claims has helped both him and his wife to lose weight.
He said: "We're not following it quite as strictly now but I think it's great that you can lose half a stone in a fortnight eating the foods you enjoy. I love a bacon-and-egg breakfast in the morning.
"The Atkins diet has certainly been good for the meat trade and it's an unusual way of losing weight so I enjoy it.
"A lot of my friends are on the diet as well and they have all said it works. It has received a lot of good press. I was talking to a friend from the poultry trade who said how well business was doing.''
A second butcher, who did not wish to be named, said his sales had also increased in recent months, with many of his customers turning to the diet.
He said: "I have witnessed a noticeable increase in sales in the last six months. Customers want to purchase the leaner meats such as beef, lamb, and poultry.
"I have both men and women customers who are currently on the Atkins diet so I think it has been good for business."
