I get error when the option element is empty

[etsted]

I have a simple drop down select list, but when one of the option elements is empty

<option value=""></option> or <option></option>

I get an error when i try to validate the script:

Line 213, Column 17: Element option without attribute label must not be empty.

<option></option>

[Ingolme]

It looks like an empty option element is not permitted in HTML I notice people using   as text content

<option value=""> </option>

When I want a default option I usually use a dash:

<option value=""> - </option>