BROADCASTER John Craven has launched a pioneering grow-your-own project at Paignton Zoo.

The BBC Countryfile and former Newsround presenter praised the pioneering scheme which means the zoo can grow its own vegetables and herbs, saving thousands of pounds a year.

The broadcaster cut the ribbon to open the VertiCrop sustainable hydroponics installation in front of an audience of VIP guests from around the world.

He said: "This is a pioneering growing system which could have many uses.

"I am not a scientist or an environmentalist but I am a broadcaster who has a very keen interest in environmental issues.

"One subject that needs to be addressed is what will happen to food production in the future.

"There is the question of food miles and being able to grow enough food. This is one of the answers to those questions."

The VertiCrop hydroponics system is the first of its kind in Europe and the first in a zoo or botanic garden anywhere in the world.

It means that the zoo can grow all of its herbs and vegetables to feed its animals without concern for seasonality, weather or slugs.

It will save the zoo £18,000 on its annual lettuce bill alone.

And the level of nutrients available in the plants can be balanced by on-site nutritionists.

Kevin Frediani, plant curator, said: "This is fantastic. It is the first time we have been able to control the food we give to the animals from seed."

The zoo is trialling different varieties of leafy vegetables like lettuce to find out the most popular with the zoo's animals.

Bubbly leaves are popular with primates which like to play with their food.

Mr Frediani said: "This system means we can grow 1,600 lettuces a week and herbs like basil which enrich their diet."

The zoo has teamed up with the developers of VertiCrop, Launceston-based Valcent Products (eu) Ltd.