Great Western Coffee Shop

Virgin Trains won an award for its animal welfare-friendly breakfasts at the RSPCA Good Business Awards this evening.

This is the first time in the awards' six-year history that they have recognised a company in the catering sector.

Virgin Trains is the only UK train operator to show a commitment to animal welfare in its on-board catering facilities.

All eggs used in products sold in the on-board shop are free range. The breakfast menu, which is served to 2.5 million first class passengers a year, includes free range eggs and poultry and meat reared to RSPCA welfare standards under the Freedom Food scheme or free-range standards.

The company policy also demands they know where their produce originates from with transparency from farm to plate.

Judge Richard Johnson said: "Virgin Trains have showed continued dedication to animal welfare and all the judges were impressed with their use of free range products. It's reassuring to see such large catering companies like Virgin Trains raising awareness and taking such big steps forward for animal welfare."

David Bowles, RSPCA director of communications, said: "We've seen a high standard of entries in this new category which demonstrates that companies are recognising their responsibilities and responding to what customers want."

The RSPCA Good Business Awards evening ceremony was held at One Marylebone, London, on Wednesday 6 October.