Downing Street tree chosen in Yattendon

The tree to adorn the Prime Minister's residence has been selected in the 13th annual tree growing competition

THE best British Christmas tree grower was crowned at the annual Christmas Tree competition in Yattendon yesterday (Thursday).

The British Christmas Tree Growers' Association winning tree was grown by Andrew Ingram on Christmas Common near Thame, Oxfordshire, and his prize will be to see it displayed throughout December outside Prime Minister David Cameron's iconic front door at 10 Downing Street. He also won a plaque to commemorate his victory.

The competition, which has been running for 13 years, attracted about 100 entries and Mr Ingram's tree – which is yet to be chopped down – will be prepared for delivery.

Contestants' trees were scored on their foliage, colour, shape and marketability, and Mr Ingram said: "We held this one for one more year because a good big one always beats a good small one."

The winner of the wreath category was Ella Miles from Welford Christmas Tree farm in Northamptonshire. Her wreath will be displayed on the door of 10 Downing Street.

One local firm to have entered their trees in the competition was Jadecliff Christmas Tree specialists, based at Yew Tree Farm, Kingsclere. They came second in the Norwegian Spruce category for which the firm received a plaque and came third in the Nordmann Fir category.

The company also welcomed BBC Breakfast weather presenter, Carol Kirkwood, to the farm yesterday (Thursday) with live broadcasts throughout the morning.

Owner of Jadecliff, Sadie Lynes said: “We were absolutely delighted to have Carol with us in the morning. She's a lovely lady.

“We were also pleased with our performance in the competition. The quality of the trees has improved greatly over the last couple of years.”

The trees have to be produced from sustainable seed sources and cultivated to a set of environmentally friendly conditions.

Set up in 1979, the association is made up of about 350 members across the UK, accounting for about 75 per cent of all Christmas tree growers.

The association's secretary, Roger Hay, said: “It was a very exciting competition with a very high quality of trees.

“I've been doing this job for a number of years, and year-on-year the trees are improving. The cultivation is much batter which leads to a better tree.”