An impressive combination of charm, physical fitness, and immense compassion for animals secured Eastbourne fitness instructor Mark and Bexhill-on-Sea charity worker Casey the top honours in PETA’s UK and Ireland’s Hottest Vegan Competition 2017!

Mark has been vegan for four years and joins animal rights demonstrations and marches, but he’s most passionate about promoting the health benefits of a vegan diet. “I went vegan 100 per cent for the animals – overnight!” he says. “I try to use my influence as a fitness coach to inform people that veganism is strong, healthy, and ethical.”

Casey has a penchant for vegan doughnuts and CrossFit. She went vegan after watching the documentary Earthlings, and she’s been dedicated to speaking up for animals ever since. “Veganism to me means compassion – compassion for everyone, whether they have feet, scales, or feathers,” she says. “Once I discovered veganism, I made a promise to myself that I would not stop sharing and educating people about veganism until every animal is free.”

Along with the title, each winner will receive an eight-course vegan taster menu for two at top London restaurant Gauthier Soho.