ETHICAL issues figure highly when people in Dorset go shopping, new research reveals.

A study by the Co-operative Bank shows that 64 per cent of people in the region take ethics into account on shopping trips. The research highlights that half the people questioned who are looking to shop ethically will do so during their weekly shop.

The category where shoppers are most influenced is food and drink (51 per cent). Coffee, eggs and paper are the most likely products which trigger ethical purchasing decisions.

The topic of most concern for people in the area is the use of plastic bags followed by fair-trade issues and animal testing.

Interestingly, the main reason for people not shopping ethically is the high cost of goods followed by a general lack of information about which products are ethical.

Co-op spokesman Maxine Xodo said: "With a much wider selection of ethical options than ever before customers now have the option to make choices which can really make a difference."