Archbishop of York: Egg hunt without Easter 'spits on Cadbury founder's grave'

The Archbishop of York has criticised Cadbury after it emerged that this year’s Easter campaign in conjunction with the National Trust is called the “Cadbury’s Great British Egg Hunt”.

Some 300 Easter egg hunts will take place this year at National Trust properties.

Dr John Sentamu is not happy with Cadbury's dropping the word Easter Credit: PA

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Dr John Sentamu accused the chocolate giant of “spitting on the grave” of its religious founder by removing references to Easter from the the spring event it runs nationwide.

Theresa May has also become embroiled in the row, saying a decision not to mention the religious festival in the title is "absolutely ridiculous".

Cadbury’s website makes reference to Easter in relation to the hunt in several places, but the word does not feature on the logo for the event.

Cadbury, told the Daily Telegraph “we invite people from all faiths and none to enjoy our seasonal treats”.

The National Trust said that suggestions it was downplaying the significance of Easter were “nonsense” while the chocolate firm dismissed the archbishop’s claim as “simply not true”.

Cadbury has been criticised by the Archbishop of York Credit: The National Trust

The National Trust website invites people to “Join the Cadbury Egg Hunts” before adding: “Join us over the Easter holidays to run through muddy woodlands, around mystical lakes and along nature trails on a Cadbury Egg Hunt.”

A National Trust spokesman said: “It’s nonsense to suggest the National Trust is downplaying the significance of Easter. Nothing could be further from the truth.