Comic to be face of anti-dairy drive

Bernard Manning is to be the face of a new campaign encouraging people not to drink milk.

The comic loves the drink, but animal rights group Peta reckons that makes him the perfect 'bad example' to help their cause.

They will launch a poster campaign showing Manning with a milk moustache, which they plan to unveil near his Embassy Club in Manchester before a nationwide campaign

A caption reads: "(Lactose) Intolerant? The White Stuff Ain't The Right Stuff!"

Peta's Sean Gifford, said: "Our poster is an attack on the dairy industry campaign The White Stuff - Are You Made Of It?, which not only gives the false impression that milk is good for you, but also has racist undertones.

"Consumption of dairy products has been linked to heart disease, strokes, diabetes, obesity, cancer and even osteoporosis - the very disease that milk is purported to prevent.

"We chose Bernard Manning for the poster because he has suffered a stroke and angina, possibly brought on by his love of milk, and also because he is known for his racial intolerance during his so-called comedy routines."

Manning said: "If they want to promote me, then more power to their elbow.

"I love milk. I've drunk it all my life and I'll keep drinking it. My dad was probably a milkman, whoever he was. I think people will see it and have a good laugh, which is fine by me. That's what we all need."

Published: 18 Aug 2003