The German village of Geschendorf in Schleswig-Holstein has prevailed in their bid to block a McDonald's branch from opening on its outskirts on the grounds that it does not serve sausages and sauerkraut.

The village mayor, Fritz Kock, 66, said: "There are 508 people here and we all agree we do not want foreign trends here."

"We are quite happy with the local restaurant where we can get sausages and schnitzel, and all nine local councilors supported the decision.

"We have had calls from all over the country praising us for making a stand against McDonald's."