CAMPAIGNERS from Exeter Friends For Animals marked Lab Animal Week by urging shoppers to sign a petition to say they do not want animal-tested cosmetics to be available in the European Union.

The anti-vivisectionists also gave out information on humane alternatives from their stall in Bedford Square, Exeter, on Saturday. Local campaigner Sharon Howe said: "Opinion polls have demonstrated a high level of public concern over the rising numbers of animals used in laboratories. But time and time again, progress on this issue is held back by vested interests.

"The EU was due to introduce a ban on all new animal-tested cosmetics by 2013, but this now looks likely to be postponed due to industry lobbying.

"We would like to see the EU, and the UK in particular, set an example by actively promoting the development of advanced alternatives to animal research. Not just for the animals' sake, but for the sake of better, more human-relevant science."