ANDY MURRAY AND KIM SEARS RECEIVE 'FAUX' GRAS HAMPER FROM PETA

Animal-Protection Group Sends Couple Cruelty-Free Delicacy to Celebrate Nuptials

London – As the wedding of beloved tennis champion Andy Murray and Kim Sears draws near, PETA have sent the couple a unique gift: vegan faux gras, a cruelty-free version of the French delicacy. Chef Sean Paul Redding's faux gras contains all the flavour of traditional foie gras – but is produced without any animal suffering. The gift follows confirmation that the Cromlix House Hotel – which is owned by Murray and the venue for the couple's wedding reception – is officially foie gras–free. A photo of the gift is available here.

"Not only is faux gras delicious, it also won't ruffle any feathers", says PETA's Yvonne Taylor. "Andy and Kim are animal lovers, so it seemed fitting to honour their wedding by giving them a gift that's both classy and cruelty-free."

"As it happens I'm totally, totally in agreement of not serving foie gras due to the cruelty inflicted on the animals", said the hotel's renowned head chef, Albert Roux.

Why should compassionate foodies steer clear of foie gras? To create the dish, metal pipes are shoved down birds' throats and huge amounts of grain and fat are pumped into their stomachs several times a day. The birds' livers become diseased as they swell to up to10 times their normal size, and the pipes often puncture the birds' throats – frequently causing them to bleed to death.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.uk.