Hospitals in East Lancashire, England have issued a directive ordering all hospital staff not to wear socks with characters like Donald Duck or Homer Simpson or they will face disciplinary action.

The Trust, the organization that oversees hospitals in the counties of Burnley, Blackburn and Rossendale counties, issued the order.

The order also bans clothing that is deemed to be too tight, extreme hairstyles, large bows or other hair accessories and visible tattoos. All hospital staff including doctors, nurses and maintenance workers, are included in the order.

A spokesman for The Trust said the ban has been issued to establish a corporate identity across the trust and as well as to present a professional appearance.