A MOTHER of two said she felt humiliated when her request for a children's vegetarian meal at McDonald's was received with laughter.

Vegetarian Claire Axon, 25, had taken her two children, Jordan, four, and Niam, two, to the fast food restaurant's branch in Derby Street, Deane, for a treat.

But when she asked for a vegetarian Happy Meal she was told that the chain does not serve such an item. Happy Meals, which are sold for £1.99 and include a toy, are limited to non-vegetarian options.

She said: "I was so embarrassed. They looked at me as if I was stupid.

"When I told them McDonald's should cater for vegetarian children, one of the staff said, 'This is a burger bar, you know'."

Mrs Axon, from Little Lever, said she became more incensed when she was offered fish fingers as an alternative.

She added: "I'm proud to be a vegetarian and that's why I am angry. I was treated very badly in McDonald's. In the end I had to just ask them for a Vegetable Deluxe which I then cut into two with my hands.

"I think it's disgusting that McDonald's doesn't serve a children's vegetarian meal. I feel as if I have been discriminated against."

A spokesman for McDonald's said: "Mrs Axon is right about McDonald's not serving a vegetable option for children.

"Our current range is a hamburger, cheeseburger, chicken nuggets and fish fingers and we are looking at our provision for vegetarians.

"Parents with children can buy a Vegetable Deluxe with the toy, drink and fries separately but this will cost a little more because the Deluxe is an adult product.

"We apologise to Mrs Axon and are sorry that she feels she has been mistreated. We do pride ourselves on our high quality of customer service and we urge her to contact us over the matter."