HAVING come under criticism last year for having 'Britain's Worst Tree,' Stockton has this year put up a 50ft tall Christmas tree in the High Street.

The Sitka Spruce is in marked contrast to the last year's tree, a 15ft cone which made headlines nationwide when it was branded 'Britain's worst Christmas Tree'.

However, that was not put up by Stockton Borough Council due to the High Street's ongoing £20m refurbishment but was given to the town by the construction company working on the improvements.

This time town mayor Barbara Inman promised a traditional tree and the Sitka Spruce, sourced from Kielder Forest in Northumberland, was lowered in place by crane outside the Rediscover Stockton shop.

Over coming days a supersize version of a traditional barrel will be placed around it and it will be dressed with festive lights ready for the Christmas lights switch on and launch of Stockton Sparkles on Thursday November 27.

The tree is joined by a giant illuminated reindeer which sits majestically on the top of the Shambles Market Hall and a huge ‘Stockton Sparkles’ bauble. There will also be Stockton Sparkles winter festival night which will include the UK's first 'singing tree.'

Ken Dixon, the council’s cabinet member for arts, leisure and culture, said: “It’s wonderful to see the return of a tradition tree to the High Street and at 50ft tall it is the largest one to ever grace the town centre and will certainly make a dramatic impact.

For more information about Stockton Sparkles’ exciting programme visit www.stockton.gov.uk/stocktonsparkles