FORGET turkey and stuffing – Big Macs and McNuggets will be on the festive menu after McDonald's said it would open one of its Derby restaurants on Christmas Day for the first time.

The fast-food giant's Osmaston Park Road branch will open its doors from 9am to 4pm on December 25 and expects a "steady trade".

The news has been given a mixed reaction by leaders in the Christian Church.

The Dean of Derby, Dr John Davies, said he had "no argument" with the move.

"Mary, Joseph and the babe were lucky to find an innkeeper who helped them find a place to stay. He provided hospitality for them," he said.

"Families and friends should come together at Christmas, and if they want to do that in McDonald's then who are the Church to object?"

But the Rev Wayne Stillwell, of St Mary's Church, Chaddesden, said his reaction was "one of great sadness".

"I'm sad that we've got to this point in our society where something that means as much as Christmas seems to mean so little.

"It shows the continuing decline of Christendom in our country."

Mr Stillwell added that some people, such as his father, who worked for an electricity company, had to work on Christmas Day to maintain essential services but felt that those employed by a fast-food restaurant should not be in the same situation.

Muslim Shahban Rehmat has volunteered to manage the branch on Christmas Day as its usual boss, Geoff Bevan, will be taking the day off.

Mr Rehmat, of Littleover, is business manager at the firm's Branston branch.

He said no staff who did not want to work on Christmas Day were being made to do so.

"It's the first time a McDonald's restaurant in Derby will open on December 25 and it's for the convenience of our customers.

"There are people who work on Christmas Day and they would normally struggle to find somewhere to eat."

Mr Rehmat said he thought the move could prove popular with non-Christians.

"Several customers have asked us whether we will be open," he said.

"It's difficult to say how many we are expecting but I think there will be a steady trade."

Mum Michelle Berry, 43, of Littleover, said she would not be taking her family to McDonald's on Christmas Day but felt it was "good news for people from different religions".

A McDonald's spokeswoman said several other restaurants would be opening around the country on December 25 but could not say how many or where.