A RED pepper-loving Colcestrian has been named Europe’s Sexiest Vegetarian.

Sophie Barrett, of Creffield Road, Colchester, was yesterday named the winner of the competition, run by charity People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, Peta.

The 21-year-old part-time glamour model has walked away with the top prize, which includes being a Peta ambassador, food, clothes and wine vouchers worth £725.

Sophie, whose favourite food is red peppers, said: “I was very surprised and very pleased.

“I really thought there was a lot of good competition and all of the girls were really good looking and cared about the award.”

Sophie ditched meat when she was seven after seeing a stall campaigning against animal testing and fox hunting.