A headteacher has been thrown into the centre of a heated debate by asking for all references to Christmas to be removed from her school’s pantomime.

Parents at Wherwell Primary School in Andover were informed that the production of Jack and the Beanstalk would not include any mention of the Christian celebration.

The decision was made to ensure the event could be "inclusive" for children of all faiths.

Following backlash from parents, sent to and reported on by MailOnline, headteacher Mandy Ovenden sent out a letter explaining the school's decision.

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The production of Jack and the Beanstalk will not include any mention of Christmas (Image: Google Street View) Mrs Ovenden said that as the pantomime was not a Christmas event, all children at the school should be able to attend, including those whose parents usually prevent them from attending festive events on religious grounds.

The letter stated: "Discussion with the panto company revealed that Christmas songs were included in the performance.

"We have a number of families who either do not celebrate Christmas or do so in a different way.

"The children of these families are removed from events such as this, at the request of their parents.

"As this is not a Christmas event, but a pantomime, it can be enjoyed by everyone with the changes we have requested.

"We are keen that all of our children should enjoy the pantomime and for it to be a fully inclusive event, have removed Christmas songs from the production."

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However, the decision to remove all references to Christmas angered some parents.

One parent told MailOnline: "This shouldn't be allowed. Christmas is celebrated all over the UK and the world, and you just can't eradicate it so a few people will not be offended.

"A pantomime is only ever held at Christmas, but it's crazy that there can be no mention of the word."

Another parent said: "The head is wrong pandering to the whim of a small minority of parents.

"She or the panto company should have said 'no'. You cannot eradicate our history and culture."

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The traditional tale of Jack and the Beanstalk is being staged by Essex-based Chaplins Pantos.

A spokesman for Chaplins said they usually include references to Christmas in their shows but were asked by Wherwell Primary School to remove them.

A spokesperson for Wherwell Primary School told the Advertiser: "At Wherwell Primary School, we take pride in our commitment to celebrating Christmas with traditional festivities, such as our nativity performances and annual carol service at the village church. As such, we were deeply saddened to see our school represented in the national press in this way.

“When we chose to invite the travelling pantomime to Wherwell, our request was a practical step to ensure all children at the school would be able to attend and enjoy the show. Our aim, as always, is to foster inclusivity in our school community, and be a place where children and their families feel safe, welcomed and valued.

“It has been heartwarming to read countless messages from parents in support of our decision to make sure all children can attend the pantomime. And our wonderful pupils, as ever, remain excited about the upcoming Christmas festivities."