Are you offended by the Greggs Christmas Advert?

The iconic Greggs sausage roll has caused lots of controversy over the last couple of days.

Greggs has apologised for placing a sausage roll in the Nativity scene to advertise its Advent calendar.

The chain faced a call for a boycott from the chief executive of the Freedom Association, who claimed the product was “sick” and the Newcastle-based firm had insulted Christianity in a way it would “never dare” other religions.

The £24 advent calendar is available in selected shops and behind each door is a voucher for one of its treats.

The firm’s decision to use a publicity image of the Three Wise Men around the crib with the baby Jesus replaced by a sausage roll has caused controversy.

A Greggs spokesman said: “We’re really sorry to have caused any offence, this was never our intention.”

Simon Richards, chief executive of the Freedom Association, called for a public protest.

The Rev Mark Edwards, of St Matthew’s Church in Dinnington and St Cuthbert’s Church in Brunswick, said Greggs had been “disrespectful”.

He told the Newcastle-based Chronicle: “It goes beyond just commercialism, it’s showing a total disregard and disrespect towards one of the greatest stories ever told, and I think people of all faiths will be offended by this.”

The advert created a debate on the Greggs Facebook page, with a minority of comments complaining about the scene and most people welcoming the product.

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Comedian Bob Mortimer wrote on Twitter: “Come on KFC … show Greggs the way … put a miniature Jesus in all your Christmas buckets.”

What are your views? Does it leave a bad taste in your mouth? Are you offended?  Or is it just a bit of fun?