Shop chain attacked over 7,300-mile trip for mints also made in Yorkshire

Poundworld has been attacked for importing the popular sweet from South-East Asia rather than using the Nestle factory in York.

The company defended the arrangement, stating it was the cheapest way to purchase the goods, allowing them to provide "better value" for their customers.

But green campaigners argue that if the environmental impact was taken into account, the price of importing the confectionery would be considerably higher.

The leader of City of York Council's Green Party group, Andy D'Agorne, said the situation was farcical and comparable to "taking coals to Newcastle". He said: "It's part of the nonsense of the global economy. We are certainly keen to promote local food, and the reduction of food miles is very much what we are about.

"This typifies the needless international transportation of food. People are becoming more aware of things like carbon footprint."

Coun D'Agorne added: "If the true environmental impact was taken into account they would be far more expensive."

Poundworld sells multipacks of eight rolls of 18 Polos for 1, equivalent to 0.7p per Polo, while a typical shop in York sells UK-made Polos in tubs of 20 for 49p, or 2.45p per Polo.

A Poundworld spokeswoman said their customers expected "exceptional value for money" and the firm could not offer as good value if it bought UK-made products. She said the Polos were bought from a UK wholesaler, so Poundworld was not involved in importing the sweets.