AN MEP has welcomed a move to ban the sale of cosmetics tested on animals.

The European Parliament has voted to introduce the ban in the European Union from 2005.

Speaking after the vote, North-East MEP Stephen Hughes said: "This sales ban has been delayed for a decade, despite overwhelming evidence that European citizens want to end unacceptable suffering for animals to develop vanity products.

"We can balance genuine concerns about research into human health with this campaign against cruelty, but only if the industry understands that cosmetic testing will have to stop.

"We also voted for a marketing ban, to catch those who will still try to sell products tested on animals outside the EU.