A German town has ditched its traditional ceremony where children hang their Christmas wishlists on a tree in the market – blaming new EU privacy laws.

Children in Roth, Bavaria, were said to be heartbroken after council officials ruled they can no longer leave their public letters to Santa.

The council lawyer said Brussels red tape introduced in May had left them with no choice to avoid risking a fine.

This is because the tradition involves children writing details including their name, age and address so that Father Christmas knows where to deliver their presents.

But under the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the local authority must obtain written permission from the parents of the 4,000 children who usually take part, making it clear their data could be shared with third parties.

Children in Roth, Bavaria, were said to be heartbroken after council officials ruled they can no longer leave their public letters to Santa on a Christmas tree in the town (file photo)

The town near Nuremberg has previously used the notes to organise visits to the local fire station and for meetings with the mayor.

Melanie Hanker, Roth’s events manager, said: �?There won’t be any sparkling children’s eyes in front of the Christmas tree.’

However, last night local radio station Antenna Bayern said it has worked with experts to create a GDPR-compliant form in a bid to save the event.

Tory MEP Daniel Dalton criticised the cancellation of the festive fun.

But a European Commission spokesman said Roth’s interpretation of the GDPR rules had been in �?no way’ correct.

They said: �?Santa Claus should have the contact details of a family in order to deliver the presents indicated on the wish list he received – provided the parents agree, in the case of minors.'

�?These have been the rules for the past 20 years and the General Data Protection Regulation has not changed this situation.’