Christmas tree fever hits Downing Street

People gathered at Downing Street on Friday to see the winner of the UK Christmas Tree Grower of the Year, Mike Craig, have his champion 22 ft Nordman fir raised outside the Prime Minister’s abode.

Mr Craig, from near Newton Stewart in Dumfries and Galloway, won the competition in October. Battling with the elements of a mixed season on Garrocher, his 300 acre farm, Craig said the title had boosted business, and brought attention to his relatively unknown hometown.

Runners up in the competition Richard and Gail Underwood, of Oakberry Trees in Lutterworth, Leicestershire, watched Craig’s fir go up before their own entry was raised inside Number 10, in the pillared room.

Sisters-in-law Marie and Ragni Gilbert of Woods Farm, Solihull came down from Birmingham to watch their winning wreath be positioned on Number 10. Entering just the two wreaths into the competition, the team was extremely happy to be honoured with the task of providing the Christmas decoration for the Prime Minister’s front door.

David Cameron was not in attendance as he was last year, but will greet the winners of the competition on Monday evening when the lights will be turned on.

Alice Audley
Photos: Luna Ingrassia