THE vegan from Cumbria who launched a petition against using animal fats in new £5 notes will discuss his concerns with the Bank of England's banknote chief.

He is also asking his supporters what they want him to bring up.

Doug Maw, 47, from Askin Street, Keswick, started the petition against the inclusion of tallow in the new tender, made by Wigton-based Innovia, in November and it eventually attracted more than 130,000 signatures following a furious reaction from vegetarians and vegans.

It has now been confirmed he will discuss the issue with Victoria Cleland, the Bank's director for banknotes and chief cashier, on Monday at its headquarters in London.

Mr Maw has also appealed to his supporters for issues to raise via the change.org website.

He said: "If people can't handle these things (banknotes) for individual reasons then it is a breach of their human rights.

"If they (the Bank) do not listen to people from interested parties they will keep making these mistakes."