Many people have protested against GM crops

Trials of genetically modified crops across the country have sparked furious opposition from environmentalists.

Now South Gloucestershire county's councillors are due to vote on whether to uphold a European law allowing them to stop GM crops being grown commercially in the area.

South Gloucestershire has had it's own 'GM-free policy' in place since 1999.

The council believes modified seedlings could contaminate other non GM crops and organic produce grown on farms in the region.

Now its tough stance is being given international support - a new European directive makes it possible for a council to refuse the planting of any GM crops.

The move would mean that even if a farmer was granted permission to grow a crop commercially across England, the council could stop it being planted in the county.

A vote on the issue was due to place at a meeting of the full council on Wednesday.