THE world's largest environmental conservation charity is urging people in Hampshire to use local produce this Christmas to help save the planet.

The World Wildlife Fund for Nature say that the average distance a Christmas lunch has travelled before reaching the dining table is a staggering 24,000 miles.

Most of that mileage comes from imported turkeys, but even out of season vegetables such as runner beans are often flown in from Africa to ensure they are always on offer to British consumers.

Instead the WWFN are asking people to make the most of fresh local produce, not only for their own benefit but to help the environment as well.

One of the sources of fresh produce they are recommending are farmers' markets, like the Winchester Farmers' Market which is now the biggest in the country.

The market is held in Middle Brook Street with the next one due on Sunday, December 12 9am to 2pm, though after the new year the markets will be held every two weeks.

The organisation is also urging people to think green this year when it comes to toys and decorations in a bid to stop as much stuff as possible ending up on UK rubbish dumps.