Cards for Good Causes, which has stores in libraries and Tourist Information offices in Ripon, Thirsk, Wetherby and Knaresborough, has banished a naughty Santa who bares his bottom on a pull-out card.

The volunteer group, which sells Christmas cards to raise money for charities nationwide, has deemed the card too offensive for their regular buyers.

"There is the risk that we would offend someone," said managing director Christine Holland.

Not suitable for children

"We have well over 300 outlets across the country, and over 100 of those are in churches and Cathedrals, so we have to be a little bit careful with the sort of design we put out.

"The response was overwhelming - everyone thought it would be inappropriate."

Created by Card Aid for housing charity Shelter, thousands of the Naughty Santa design cards were printed in preparation for the seasonal rush.

It was at first accepted on the condition that each pack had a sticker "not suitable for children", but in September it was pulled altogether.

Aesthetic grounds

Card Aid and Shelter are now left with bundles to sell just weeks before Christmas after being told the card was too graphic for the charity chain.

Dame Hilary Blume, head of Card Aid said: "What world does Cards for Good Causes management live in where it's always 1954?

"I can see banning the card on aesthetic grounds, after all Santa's bottom is not exactly beautiful to behold, he ain't no Kylie Minogue, but censored?"