THERE is a shortage of free-range chickens across North Somerset as residents take up the advice of top TV chefs.

THERE is a shortage of free-range chickens across North Somerset as residents take up the advice of top TV chefs.

Pocock's Poultry has been limiting its supplies to its customers in Weston, Winscombe, Congresbury and Yatton following Chicken Run, a three-part documentary about the ethics of battery farming.

The Channel Four programme, presented by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, urged viewers to buy free-range rather than battery reared chicken.

Eric Tucker owns EJ Tucker Butchers, in Woodborough Road, Winscombe.

The 63-year-old, who has been in the trade for 50 years, said: "Everyone who comes into the shop has been talking about it.

"The problem of course is that it takes more than two days to rear a chicken."

Supplier Barry Pocock said: "Demand has flown through the roof since the programme.

"Just before our chickens die they go into a dark tunnel where they are played soothing music.

"This helps them relax, which makes the meat tender as they are not so highly strung.

"They also have toys in the field they play with to make them feel at ease.