Sir Paul McCartney has leant his support to an anti-cosmetic testing campaign.

The former Beatles rocker - who is a keen advocate of animal rights and vegetarianism - has joined a number of fellow celebrities in joining the new BUAV (British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection) campaign to end animal testing for cosmetic products sold in Europe

While testing on animals for toiletries is currently outlawed in the UK and EU, this doesn't stop companies from selling products which may have been tested on creatures in other parts of the world.

Sir Paul explained: ''Animals should not suffer in the name of beauty. Testing toiletries and cosmetics on animals is cruel and unnecessary. Join me in signing the BUAV's petition to ensure the sale of cruel products in the EU is outlawed by 2013. Say NO to Cruel Cosmetics.''

Meanwhile, Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt, British model Jodie Kidd and clothing designer Meg Matthews have also leant their support to the cause.

Kimberly recent said: ''My make-up range BM Beauty is approved free from animal testing by BUAV proving that there is no need to test beauty products on animals. Don't delay the ban on selling cruel beauty products in the EU any longer.''