The show of support follows the introduction of a European Directive banning the production of eggs from hens in barren battery cages since 1 January this year.

British Lion egg producers have already upgraded their production and any cage egg produced under the British Lion scheme will meet the requirements of the Directive, but illegal battery cage eggs continue to be produced in several countries on the Continent.

Andrew Parker, Chairman of the British Egg Industry Council, said: "There is now a huge amount of awareness and support for British egg producers and I expect the number of pledges to continue to rise."