A WOMAN who decided to try eating vegan food for the month of January a year ago was converted and has never looked back.

Kelsey Francis, 21, tried Veganuary last year where for January she only ate plant-based food.

And the Hereford resident enjoyed it so much that she has stopped eating animal products completely.

She said: "I started my journey to veganism primarily due to animal rights. I began to see that as a proclaimed animal lover, it was morally wrong to contribute to the death of another animal.

"Not only do cows, pigs, chickens and all animals possess the abilities to think, feel, play, and love one another, but they all have the same innate wish as humans: to live a life without pain or suffering."

She was also concerned about the environmental impact of animal farming.

The campaign to encourage people to try vegan in January is now in its fifth year with Veganuary predicting more than 150,000 people will go vegan for the month.

Kelsey said her only regret is she didn't do it sooner adding: "My body thrives on a plant-based diet. I have lost over a stone in weight and no longer suffer from fatigue."

As she approaches her first ‘veganniversary’, Kelsey has compiled a list of her favourite Hereford restaurants to help anyone thinking about taking part in Veganuary 2018:

1. Cosy Club, Widemarsh Street: "Their Thai Bean Burger is amazing! A spicy quinoa burger with edamame beans, pak choi, roasted peppers and sweet chilli jam - it’s definitely not one to miss."

2. Tandem Bakery, Widemarsh Street: "Tandem Bakery offer many dairy-free milks and make a mean dark hot chocolate."

3. Kupcake Kitchen Café, Union Street: "For tea and a slice of cake my personal go-to is always the Kupcake Kitchen Cafe. Val and her staff are wonderful, they not only make great vegan cakes and scones, but you can also have a complete vegan afternoon tea with all the bells and whistles."

4. King Street Kitchen, King Street: "Try their chestnut rissole sandwich with salad for a light lunch option."

5. Vic's Vegan Bakes, Hampton Park: "Although not a restaurant, you will never have to miss out on special occasions as Vic bakes the most incredible, extravagant cakes. They are a work of art."

Although not mentioned in Kelsey's list, Firefly in Hereford introduced a fully vegan menu on December 6.

The list is by no means exhaustive as many Hereford restaurants include vegan options. Where's your favourite place to go?

To find out more about Veganuary go to https://veganuary.com/