A CHEPSTOW shop owner claims political correctness is forcing Christianity out of Christmas.

Susie Corker, who owns Furniture Smart in The Back, Chepstow, took out a full-page advert in the Argus' sister paper, the Free Press, proclaiming "Happy Birthday to Jesus".

Mrs Corker paid for the advert after becoming increasingly frustrated by what she claims are efforts by the politically correct lobby to turn Christmas into a non-religious and commercial celebration, rather than a Christian one.

She said that a new law which came into force last week - the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations - had partly provoked her action.

"Workers who object to nativity scenes on Christmas cards on the grounds that it is contrary to their religion and creates an offensive atmosphere can take legal action," she claimed.

But a spokeswoman for the Department of Trade and Industry refuted this interpretation.

"The purpose of the regulations is to prevent discrimination and harassment. It is hard to see how someone could claim they were being discriminated against because someone has a Christmas card with a nativity scene."

The British Red Cross was said to have told volunteers not to create nativity scenes or put up advent calendars with pictures of Mary or the three wise men, saying it wanted to be seen as neutral and not affiliated to any religion.

And Mrs Corker also claims she had to specifically request cards with a Christian theme from Oxfam.

A spokesman said: "As Oxfam is a non-religious organisation it is Oxfam's policy not to promote one religion over another. The shop's stock reflects a range of religions."

But Mrs Corker said: "We are so scared of upsetting people that we are in danger of losing our culture.

"I am not a Bible-basher, but we are a Christian country and we should be proud.

"I am doing this because it is time to take a stand against bureaucrats. I just think it is important that we are allowed to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Why should we always be so careful not to offend people?"

Mrs Corker's advert features a picture of Mary and baby Jesus, with a message saying: "To the bureaucrats: Do not overstep the mark. Our beliefs will not be hidden. We will proclaim our Saviour's birth. From all Christians here on earth."