A VEGAN action group has criticised the co-founder of a county awards ceremony for wearing what is believed to be fur at a horse racing event.

Worcestershire Vegans and Veggies slammed Julia Williams, who co-founded Wonderful Worcestershire Awards, for donning what appeared to be fur to Cheltenham Festival last week.

Animal cruelty campaigners were furious with Ms Williams for wearing the Le Jabot & Stock Company cape and hat combination.

A spokesman for Worcestershire Vegans and Veggies said: "It’s appalling that Julia, or indeed anyone, should be wearing fur.

“Animals used for fur are often farmed in horrific intensive conditions or caught in the wild using cruel traps.

“Also, the way they are slaughtered, by such methods as gassing, decompression or neck-breaking, can cause great suffering.

“Because of the cruelty involved, fur farming is illegal in the UK, but fur products can, unfortunately, still be imported from abroad.

“That’s why we are campaigning for a ban on the import and sale of animal fur and constantly urge members of the public not to buy or wear products containing it.”

Le Jabot & Stock Company praised Ms Williams after the Mail Online published a picture of her in the outfit.

The company posted on Facebook: "Nice to see Julia in the Daily Mail, stepping out in her Le Jabot & Stock Company cape and headpiece."

Worcestershire Vegans and Veggies successfully campaigned for LSD Promotions to stop the sale of fur in the city centre market last year.

However the group added that despite this ban, some traders continue to sell real fur.

Ms Williams and Le Jabot & Stock Company were unavailable for comment.