RUMOURS of an Easter hot cross bun ban at York schools were dismissed as "nonsense" by council chiefs today.

A national newspaper claimed yesterday that City of York Council had, along with other authorities, forbidden the tasty treat from school menus because they could be "offensive" to non-Christians.

A council spokesman said: "No discussion has taken place at any level over banning hot cross buns.

"We will not be celebrating Easter at schools with hot cross buns, but there is no particular reason for that.

"In fact, Easter will be marked in city schools with children being offered a roast turkey meal followed by a sweet comprising of a nest of mini chocolate eggs."

Updated: 10:55 Monday, March 17, 2003