A NEW business has opened for those who choose a vegan lifestyle.

Middlesbrough's Dundas Arcade is now home to The Little Vegan Market, the first business to be established by Charlotte Bottomley and Matthew Wilson.

Having been devoted to the vegan lifestyle for years, the young couple decided to help others in their position by making plant-based and animal friendly food and products more accessible.

Mr Wilson, 23, said he became vegan after reading about a dog eating festival online and wondering why there was no similar outrage about the eating of cows.

He added: “When we first turned vegan, there was not much available in the area, we had to go all over to find shops with vegan food and ordered a lot online.

“It was difficult and we are passionate about veganism so wanted to make it easier for others.

“It’s a lifestyle that is good for the environment, good for your health and good for animals – ultimately, this is about helping animals.”

The shop stocks a variety of food and snacks - including milk and meat alternatives - as well as zero-waste cleaning products, with customers encouraged to bring their own containers.

It is open from 9am until 5pm Monday to Saturday.