At a time of economic gloom one food producer is bucking the trend with increased sales of its meat-free range of frozen meals.And that is good news for the security of jobs among the 180-strong workforce at the Hain Frozen Food factory at Fakenham where the Linda McCartney range of meals are produced.

At a time of economic gloom one food producer is bucking the trend with increased sales of its meat-free range of frozen meals.

And that is good news for the security of jobs among the 180-strong workforce at the Hain Frozen Food factory at Fakenham where the Linda McCartney range of meals are produced.

The range, which is endorsed by Sir Paul McCartney and his family, has increased sales by a staggering 20 per cent year-on-year and looking to increase this figure.

An innovator and creative free thinker, Sir Paul McCartney's late wife, Linda, was an inspiration to the world yet to fully appreciate or understand a vegetarian lifestyle.

Linda's ethics still remain and are even more relevant today and valuable now as consumers tighten their belts, are more health conscious and have become more aware of the environmental impact of mass meat production.

The McCartney family have given their full support to the new range and take an active interest in the operation of the Holt Road factory which is owned by Hain Frozen Foods. Sir Paul, and his photographer daughter Mary, made a surprise visit to the factory in October last year .

The McCartney family are involved in every part of the process of creating a new product for the Linda McCartney range; from the early stages of deciding the ingredients and tweaking recipes, to the style of the photography and packaging.

They have said: “We love these new products; the Vegetarian Roast is our favourite when we all get together as one big family. Linda McCartney Foods has an exciting future ahead of it and we are proud to be expanding the range keeping to Linda's values and sharing her passion”.

Linda McCartney Falafels are a first for the brand in the snack market and is the creation of a popular authentic Middle East street food. The Falafels are made with chickpeas, broad beans, lemon, coriander and spices, an ideal source of fibre and protein for every diet. The product comes in a biodegradable bag , so as well as being delicious to eat, they are better for the environment.

The Linda McCartney Vegetarian Roast is considered the meat free alternative to a traditional family Sunday lunch.

A popular classic made its own, is the Linda McCartney Chicken Style Burger in a light, crispy crumb with a selection of herbs.

The new Linda McCartney Vegetable Roastie is packed with delicious “superfoods” such as butternut squash, water chestnuts, pulses and seeds. As the main component of a dish or a vegetable accompaniment, the Vegetable Roastie is a great tasting wholesome and nutritious vegetable treat.