A HUGE row has erupted over the decision to remove the word Easter from the name of the National Trust’s annual Easter egg hunt.

The hunt will take place at National Trust properties all over the country during the Easter weekend and is run in partnership with Cadbury’s.

The controversy was caused by the chocolate maker’s decision to call this year’s event ‘Cadbury’s Great British Egg Hunt’.

This is the first time in the event’s ten-year history that Easter isn’t referred to in its title, though it is mentioned several times by both organisations in their adverts for the hunt.

Prime Minister Theresa May and prominent figures from the Church of England including the Archbishop of York have expressed their anger about this change.

Vicar and Area Dean of Swindon at Christ Church Swindon Simon Stevenette had mixed feelings about it.

Reverend Stevenette said: “I share their sadness but equally, as we have Easter egg hunts around here, we want to be inclusive because Easter is for everybody, whether they’re Christian or not.

“The important thing is to remind people of the reason for the season.”

The National Trust’s central office is based in Swindon between the Steam Museum and the designer outlet.

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

“We host a huge programme of events, activities and walks to bring families together to celebrate this very special time of year.”

“Our Easter events proved consistently popular with our members and visitors. Cadbury will always lead on the branding and wording for its campaigns.”

The Trust added Easter to the header of their webpage for the egg hunt after receiving several complaints from members on social media.

Cadbury’s also responded to the concerns raised.

A spokesperson for the company said: “It is simply not true to claim that Easter does not feature in our marketing communications or on our products.

“Our Easter Egg packaging also carries the word Easter and these products are only available at this special time of year.

“Our Easter partnership with the National Trust is also synonymous with Easter, and we make it clear throughout materials that it is an egg hunt, for families, at Easter.”