Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman are being recruited by a food giant in a bid to counteract the rise of veganism among young Britons.

A range of burgers and sausages based on the popular superhero characters, made by one of the UK's biggest meat manufacturers, are being launched in High Street supermarkets from this week.

It comes amid an explosion of Brits avoiding meat with around 3.5 million people now describing themselves as vegetarian or vegan.

The trend is particularly catching on among younger generations who say they are cutting back on meat for moral and environmental reasons.

Food company ABP has signed a major licensing deal with Warner Bros to create the range of "child-friendly" superhero-themed sausages and burgers. Each pack carries either Batman, Superman or Wonder Woman branding, with the sausage range containing 56 per cent meat.

Flavours include "pork and baked beans" and "pork, cheese and ketchup".