Over half of adults were left 'gutted' when they realised they had received their last chocolate egg from their parents. A poll of 2,000 adults found that 22% pinpointed this as the moment they acknowledged they were 'officially a grown-up', marking a shift from being looked after to fending for themselves.

Almost two thirds (58%) weren't forewarned about this sudden change, stating 'it just stopped'. The study discovered 72% believe you're never too old to celebrate Easter with a chocolate egg,but only 15% of adults still receive chocolate goodies at Easter from their parents or guardians. One in five have resorted to buying an egg for themselves each year 'because they can'.

The research was commissioned by M&M'S, as part of their Great Easter Egg Debate, with Michael and Hilary Whitehall presenting both sides of the argument.

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Michael said: "Frankly, once you're an adult you should be self-sufficient and responsible for your own Easter chocolate - and I should know, my eldest son took far too long to fly the nest. But what do I know."

Hilary, however, disagrees: "Oh, don't be such a grump, Michael. I say just because you're grown-up doesn't mean you have to act like it. You're never too old for a chocolate egg at Easter."

The research revealed that among adults who still receive chocolate eggs, 57% would be disappointed if they stopped getting them and nearly a quarter (24%) would be happy to openly complain about it.

The average person receives one and a half chocolate eggs annually but purchases nearly four for others.

Broadly speaking, what people cherish most about Easter includes reuniting with family (25%), the arrival of lighter evenings (24%) and the bank holiday weekend (20%).

Yet, as people age, what they miss most about the holidays are waking up to chocolate on Easter morning (15%) and Easter egg hunts (14%).

According to OnePoll.com data, 27% of those who have left home don't bother with Easter eggs after moving out.

Steve Waters, director of eggcellence at M&M'S, said: "Easter eggs are one of those little joys that quietly slip away as we move into adulthood, but who says they have to?

"This campaign is about reminding people that chocolate, fun and a bit of cheeky tradition don't need to have an age limit.

"We're here to stir the debate and give everyone a playful excuse to hold onto their Easter eggs, no matter how adult they are."

WHAT BRITS MISS ABOUT EASTER AS THEY'VE GROWN OLDER:

Waking up to chocolate on Easter Sunday

Easter egg hunts

Being bought Easter eggs without thinking about it

Easter feeling more exciting than it does now

Easter feeling more special and magical

Family traditions around Easter

Spending the whole weekend with family

Time off feeling more relaxing

Having fewer responsibilities at Easter

Getting together without worrying about work