Steve Dobson has been told he must display posters at the party in Embsay in the Yorkshire Dales, informing guests that the mince pies contain nuts and have suet pastry. The temperature and cocoa content of the hot chocolate also has to be checked.

The orders come from Craven District Council, which Mr Dobson contacted to ask whether he could stage the community Christmas party in a car park beside the village.

He told the BBC:

"Everything we do, from putting tinsel up to providing refreshments, has to be assessed. We have to consider the dangers involved, that someone might choke on their mince pie or have a nut allergy."