Tea breaks are now a chocolate-free time at Honda's Swindon factory.

The Japanese firm has banned workers from eating chocolate bars, cakes and fruit during their breaks.

A Honda spokesman said the idea was to prevent any crumbs or sticky fingers affecting the quality of workmanship on its cars.

He said: "Our overall objective is to always deliver the highest quality product."

However, workers at the Wiltshire plant are not amused and have approached their union for advice.

Jim D'Avila, of the Unite union, said: "It's ludicrous that anything with biscuit or fruit in it has been banned, so a Twix is against the rules but a Mars bar is okay.

"Frankly, they've lost the plot and most workers cannot believe they're being so picky."