Ahead of tonight's decision on whether Oakham is to get a 24-hour drive-thru McDonald's restaurant, the Duchess of Rutland suggested the fast-food chain should serve up pheasant.

Emma Manners, Duchess of Rutland - who lives at Belvoir Castle, in Grantham - claimed the bird was 'the cheapest food of all' during a debate on today's Good Morning Britain about whether the restaurant should open in the town.

During the discussion she suggested the chain should serve pheasant nuggets and burgers in place of chicken and beef.

She was debating the opening of the restaurant with BBC's The Apprentice contestant Thomas Skinner - who backed the proposed outlet.

Rutland County Council planning officers are recommending that the McDonald's application should be approved.

More than seven months after being submitted by the chain, the council's planning and licensing committee will consider the application tonight (Tues).

The meeting is being held in public and will take place in the main Council Chamber at Rutland County Council's Catmose offices, starting at 6pm.

If approved, the Oakham McDonald's restaurant with drive-thru and parking - planned for a large area of underdeveloped land at Hawkesmead Business Estate, off Lands End Way - will be the first in Rutland.