JEREMY Corbyn has said he looks forward to sampling the delights of all-vegan meals served at Forest Green Rovers when he comes to watch a match.

The Labour leader, who is a long term vegetarian himself and a surprise fan of the club, made the comments to the SNJ during a visit to the Stroud District this morning.

While meeting Labour councillors in Dursley, he said he was keen to come to The New Lawn stadium in Nailsworth to try the famous vegan match day menu for himself.

Mr Corbyn has previously made a promise to his old left-wing ally and friend David Drew, who is vice chairman of the National League club which last year became the first in the world to serve only vegan food.

He said: “David is a good friend of mine. I’m sorry he’s no longer in Parliament but I praise him for the success of Forest Green Rovers.

“Over the years we have discussed me coming to watch a game on many occasions.

“My son is a youth coach in Watford and he’s very keen to see Forest Green play.

“I did make a promise so it’s deal, it will happen.

“Plus I’ve heard a lot about these vegan meals and it’s something that really appeals to me. I think it’s an absolutely fantastic idea. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Stroud News and Journal:

The leader of the opposition also put his money behind Forest Green Rovers (FGR) to win the league this season.

“I scan the BBC website every week to see how they are getting on,” he said.

“I think they are going to make it. They are only two points off the top. We need to push on this weekend and hope they Cheltenham stumble.”

David Drew, MP for Stroud from 1997 to 2010, said he looked forward to seeing the new Labour leader fulfil his pledge.

Corbyn was visiting the area to see the new Littlecombe development and celebrate the success of Stroud District Council (SDC) in getting the project off the ground.

During a visit he spoke with residents of some of the new homes to discuss council’s work.

Among others he met with outgoing SDC leader Geoff Wheeler, county councillor for Dursley Steve Lydon and district councillor Doina Cornell.

Mr Corbyn said: “I think that with the record this council has, and the record of its work supporting the community, they well deserve to be re-elected.”

Under the leadership of its vegan chairman Dale Vince, FGR became the first club to go all-vegan last July.

The club stopped selling meat burgers in 2011 and in July took fish off the menu to become fully vegetarian.

Cow milk has been replaced with soya or oat milk to rid the Gloucestershire club's menu of all animal products.