December 2, 2011

Downing Street is sparkling with festive cheer, following the presentation of this year’s Christmas tree by the British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA).

Each year, the BCTGA hosts a prestigious Christmas Tree Competition to find the country’s Champion Christmas Tree Grower. This year, Andrew Ingram of Greenfield Farm, Oxfordshire, picked up the coveted title and had the honour of delivering one of his Nordmann Fir trees to 10 Downing Street yesterday.

Runner up Stuart Kirkup of Dartmoor Christmas Tree Farm, Devon, also supplied a smaller tree which now takes up residence in the Pillared Room inside the Prime Minister’s home. The winner of the Champion Wreath accolade, Ella Miles from Welford Christmas Tree Farm, Naseby, also saw her decorated wreath take up prime position on the iconic black door.

Andrew said: “It’s a real honour to have our tree stand outside one of the country’s most famous residences. We really enjoyed our visit to Downing Street and it was great to watch the tree being decorated and lit up.”

Roger Hay, secretary for the BCTGA added: “The presentation of the winner’s Christmas tree to Downing Street is always a highlight on the Association’s calendar. Andrew’s tree looks splendid, as does Stuart’s smaller tree and Ella’s colourful wreath.”

The Prime Minister said: "I am delighted to see the arrival of this year's Christmas tree and wreath in Downing Street and it is with huge thanks to the British Christmas Tree Growers Association whose members have donated them, as they have done for over 30 years. They will certainly be enjoyed by all of those visiting Downing Street over the festive period."

The BCTGA was established in 1979 to provide a quality standard for Christmas tree growers in the UK and champions the purchase of real sustainable Christmas trees.