FOLLOWING Jamie Oliver's recent tirade against factory farming of chickens, a Worcestershire garden and landscape company is hoping to lay a golden egg.

M&M Timber of Upper Sapey has just launched a new range of "poultry arks" specially aimed at those who want to keep chickens in their own back gardens.

Launched at the Garden Centre Annual Conference in Manchester last month, the poultry arks are expected to be the biggest sellers in M&M Timber's new pet and poultry housing range, which will soon be available at all major garden centres throughout the country.

Sales director Ian Rickhuss said: "We have heard from council officials that there has been a marked increase in the number of city dwellers seeking advice on keeping chickens at home.

"We are anticipating a huge demand for our new poultry arks this coming spring and have already begun deliveries to some of the larger garden centres.

"We are confident customers will appreciate the big difference in the build quality of our products, compared to inferior and often over priced foreign imports."

The traditional pattern poultry arks are manufactured at M&M Timber's Clows Top sawmills near Kidderminster, using top quality pressure treated timber and galvanised fittings for long life.

The top of the range premium model features raised roosting/egg laying flooring with drawstring ramp and access panels. Both the premium and standard arks are supplied flat-packed and are easily assembled.

In addition to the poultry arks, the newly launched pet and poultry housing range includes quality built rabbit and ferret hutches and a selection of dog kennels.