THE British Red Cross, which has two shops in Malvern, has denied reports that Christmas decorations have been banned from its stores.

This follows national newspaper reports claiming the charity had ordered its employees not to display festive decorations in case members of other faiths were offended.

However, on Monday (December 23) Midlands area retail manager Chris Randle said the claims had been blown out of all proportion.

"We are asking people to judge for themselves," she said.

"We haven't had any announcements to remove Christmas decorations."

Ms Randle said the charity was a non-religious organisation and added that some overtly religious items, such as images of Buddha, crucifixes or copies of the Koran may be deemed unsuitable for display.

The charity's store in Church Street, Malvern, won the most creative window in the town centre as part of this year's Christmas window competition run by Malvern Town Council.

The store in Malvern Link won was judged both the most original window and most creative window in the area.