FORESTRY workers are ensuring that people think "green" in more than one way during the Christmas period.

Hundreds of trees are on sale in Hamsterley Forest from 10am to 4pm each day until December 22, with some of the proceeds going to care for the region's woods.

As well as the environmental benefits of buying a tree at the forest, where trees are planted for every pine, fir and spruce cut down, staff at the Forestry Commission are showing people how Father Christmas should be dressed - in green.

Research suggests green was the traditional colour of the British Father Christmas, dating back to the 17th Century and possibly fused with earlier Celtic customs.

So when he appears at the forest he will swap his familiar red costume in favour of his roots.

There will be face painting, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and gifts at the visitors' centre on Saturday and the following two weekends.

Ranger Robin Lofthouse said: "We thought a green Santa was a nice twist and a reminder that all is not what it seems when it comes to Christmas.

"Since we pride ourselves in selling trees from well- managed forests the green colour couldn't be more appropriate."