TOWN centre eateries are going Atkins crazy with the introduction of carb-free foods to their menus.

Yates' Wine bar on Market Street has launched the special dishes, featuring meat, eggs and cheese, in a bid to avoid alienating the growing number of anti-carbohydrate dieters.

And the Yates's Burger, a chargrilled chicken breast covered in melted cheese, is now being sandwiched between two 6oz beef burgers instead of a bread roll.

The move into diet-friendly food is seen as the latest attempt to keep up with the times.

But the high-protein diet, popular with celebrities like ex-Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, and rapidly becoming a favourite with other slimmers, has prompted controversy after medical experts warned of its possible effects on long-term health, including kidney damage.

Pauline North, manager of the Yates's branch of the pub, said: "The introduction of our low carbohydrate menu option has been incredibly successful. Diet was top of the New Year resolutions list for many people this year, and by adding a low carb option to the traditional menu, those people have still been able to enjoy good food while they have been out with friends."

And even fast food bar Burger King, in Kay Gardens, has opted to offer dieters their range of flame-grilled food, and the chance to leave the bun behind. The burgers are available with the option of the usual toppings and no bread in keeping with the special diet: with only 5 grams of carbs or less.

Earlier this month Atkins Nutritionals launched a range of Atkins-friendly products for sale in health food shops in the UK, including chocolate bars and milkshakes.

The Atkins Diet has grown in popularity since being formulated by American Doctor Atkins in the 1960s.

Devotees follow the eating plan which allows them to eat unlimited eggs, cheese, cream, meat, fish and shellfish, while carbohydrates like bread, potatoes and pasta are consumed small amounts.