An MP is demanding that Marks & Spencer changes the brand name it uses for chickens sold at its stores across the country.

Shadow Trade and Industry Secretary and Rutland & Melton MP Alan Duncan is crying foul because the high street giant sells chickens under the Oakham label - even though the birds are bred in Norfolk and Suffolk.

Duncan - whose constituency includes the Rutland market town of Oakham - has been joined in his campaign by local farmers and residents.

He said: 'This is not a genuine Oakham product and yet Marks & Spencer is poaching the name of our county town. I am writing to the company's chief executive demanding it changes the name of its chickens.'

However, an M&S spokeswoman countered: 'Oakham is the brand name we have chosen for our exclusive range of chickens. We will respond to Mr Duncan when we get his letter. It's a brand name and has no geographical significance.'

Similar retail disputes have included Parma ham and Feta cheese, which both have protected status.

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