A COUNCIL has sent out a memo to staff advising them how to behave at office Christmas parties.

The move, by Hyndburn Council, has been criticised by a councillor who has been in trouble himself for his own festive exploits.

The memo, emailed to all staff - insists that no one should be pressurised into attending festive celebrations; advises on gift choices for Secret Santa and lists behaviour that could be seen as offensive.

But the seasonal guidance has been labelled political correctness gone mad' by Clayton-le-Moors Independent councillor Nick Collingridge.

Coun Collingridge, who was given a police caution after singing a racist song at a Christmas party in 2005, said that he was amazed when he received the email.

"I thought it was a joke when I opened it," he said. "I like to sing when I have a drink - and now I know I have to be careful. I have learnt my lesson, but this email is plain stupid.

"I rang the chief executive and he said the council had to be careful because an office party still counted as being at work and so discrimination laws apply to parties too."

Coun Collingridge added: "Anyone coming to my parties who is easily offended will be asked to stay away."

The email, sent out by the human resources department, tells workers they should not buy risqué or offensive presents for Secret Santa. It also states that staff by the mistletoe should avoid unwanted jokes about an individual's private life; unnecessary bodily contact; and suggestive remarks.

It then signs off with a festive greeting.

Council leader Coun Peter Britcliffe said: "The email was not initiated by me but I have seen it. I think in many ways it is wise to warn people about what they do at Christmas and it it better safe than sorry.

"I am not particularly PC myself but I think it is important we know what we can and can't do, especially when people have had a few drinks. We aren't trying to be killjoys but we all have to be more careful these days. Things change, and not always for the better."

John Midgley, from the Campaign Against Political Correctness, features a similar spoof email in his book the Politically Correct Scrapbook. He said: "You couldn't make this up. You would think these killjoys have better things to do at this time of year. Let people get on with enyoying Christmas and stop being so PC."