Boohoo has become the first major retailer to ban wool in its products after a campaign by animal rights activists.

The Manchester-based fashion company says it has 'committed to omit wool from its product range' from this autumn onwards.

Animal rights group PETA has hailed it as a 'victory' following footage it filmed last year, showing what it claims are shearers at UK wool farms striking, hitting and stamping on sheep.

The organisation campaigns for the ethical treatment of animals and advocates a vegan lifestyle, which excludes the use of animal-derived materials such as wool and leather.

The Boohoo Group, whose brands include Boohoo, BoohooMan, Pretty Little Thing and Nasty Gal, said in a statement: "The Boohoo Group is pleased to confirm that it has committed to omit wool from its product range effective from the autumn season onwards."

The group came under fire earlier this year when one of its 'faux fur' jumpers was found to contain real animal hair.

Boohoo quickly removed the item from its website and launched its own investigation into the supplier in question following the complaint from the Humane Society.

PETA’s director of corporate projects, Yvonne Taylor, has praised the retailer's decision to stop the sale of wool products, saying: "PETA is toasting boohoo group's compassionate, business-savvy decision to scrap wool.

"Kind shoppers agree that no jumper or scarf is worth kicking, punching, and killing gentle sheep on the shearing floor, and we're urging other retailers to follow boohoo's forward-thinking example."

PETA is now encouraging shoppers to put pressure on other retailers to follow suit, including a current campaign aimed toward Forever 21.