DUDLEY South MP Mike Wood has thrown his weight behind a campaign for a global ban on cosmetics being tested on animals.

The petition, organised by The Body Shop, calls on The United Nations to adopt an international convention to end animal testing for cosmetic products and ingredients.

The Conservative MP recently visited The Body Shop at intu Merry Hill to talk about the work the company is doing to promote the campaign.

Animal testing for cosmetics has been banned in Britain for 20 years - and since 2009, no cosmetic products that have been tested on animals can be marketed anywhere in the European Union.

Mr Wood said: “We can be proud that Britain has led the way in banning the unnecessary testing of cosmetics on animals, but people elsewhere in the world would be equally horrified to learn of the suffering caused to animals just to produce beauty products.

"During my time working in the European Parliament I worked on the early stages of the European ban on animal testing and am very pleased to support this campaign to make the ban truly global. They are getting close to 7,000,000 signatures and I really do hope others will support by signing their petition”.

Donna McCall, manager of the Brierley Hill store, added: "We were thrilled that Mike came along to support us and raise awareness of our campaign."

People can sign the petition online via www.foreveragainstanimaltesting.com or by visiting the Merry Hill store, located on the lower mall.