Vegan hotdogs will be up for grabs in Southampton as a charity is set to hand them out for free.

Campaigning charity Viva! will hand out hundreds of free hotdogs in Portland Street.

The organisation is keen to show people “how delicious meat-free food can be” and to educate the public about factory farming and the treatment of farmed animals.

Viva! campaigner, James Pearce, said: “I’m so excited for the Viva! team to be in Southampton, bringing plant-based deliciousness and showing people how tasty vegan food is.

“There is a misconception that vegan food is bland and boring; these hotdogs will prove otherwise."

READ MORE: Family run city eatery shortlisted for UK's Best New Indian Restaurant award

He added: “Sadly, billions of land animals are slaughtered for food every year in the UK.

“Shockingly, 88 per cent of pigs are gassed to death – an agonising process that is like being burned inside out.

"People in the UK are compassionate animal lovers, yet many of them are not aware of how animals are treated and killed in the industry.

“Our campaign Are You an Animal Lover? will break down misconceptions and raise awareness to help people do the kind thing and choose vegan.”

The free vegan hotdogs will be available to grab from Portland Street on Wednesday, September 4.

Viva! is recommending people turn up early to avoid disappointment.

James said: “Our aim is to show people that vegan food tastes better than meat and without the cruelty or huge environmental impact.

“I urge as many people as possible to come along and try the hotdogs.

“You will learn something new and be pleasantly surprised with how easy it is to make simple, tasty swaps to save lives.”