SUPERMARKET Waitrose has again been awarded the title Most Compassionate Supermarket.

The store - which opened its Droitwich branch this year - received the award from pressure group Compassion in World Farming on Saturday night, for its work with farm suppliers and commitment to animal welfare.

Heather Jenkins, Head of meat buying at Waitrose, said: "Animal welfare is at the heart of our philosophy.

"Our customers are increasingly interested in the origins of their food. They want to know that animals have been well cared for and that fish has been sourced in an environmentally responsible manner. This award recognises the tremendous amount of work that Waitrose buying and technical teams do."