LORRY carrying 44 tonnes of aid bound for Romanian orphanages has finally been allowed on its way by French authorities - minus 500 Cadbury's Creme Eggs.
Customs officials in France had ordered the Romanian driver of the 40-foot long Convoy Aid lorry to either remove the Easter Eggs or return to the charity's base in Stockton.
They feared the eggs could have been made with milk from British cows infected by foot-and-mouth disease and may potentially spread the infection across mainland Europe.
The driver - who speaks neither English nor French - was finally able to locate the sealed metal container with the Easter eggs inside and was able to off load them.
Rod Jones, founder of Convoy Aid, today confirmed the lorry was continuing on its way to Romania.
Accusing the French of "paranoia", he said the Easter eggs had been intended as a treat for orphans.
Cadburys have assured the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food that their chocolate eggs are "perfectly safe.''
Updated: 15.08 Friday, March 30.
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