IT WAS a case of third time lucky for Ripon when two other Christmas trees were rejected for the city centre as being unsuitable.

Tree No 1 was chopped after residents described it as being puny.

Tree No 2 was given its marching orders after being described as spindly on top

Tree No 3 is now in place and has won universal approval.

The rumpus over the festive spirit in Ripon came ahead of the official Christmas lights switch-on when Coun Tony Simpson took up mounting complaints with Harrogate Borough Council.

"When the men came to deliver the third tree on an articulated lorry they said they hoped I didn't find any fault with it. And I didn't.

"I only wish they had sent one like that in the first place," said Coun Simpson, a taxi driver.

Coun Simpson said the first 20ft tree looked as if it was ready for firewood. And the second one was not much better.

"I can't fault the latest one, although someone joked when they passed my cab that they wanted it another 10ft higher. It was certainly worth letting the council know that people were not happy. The latest tree is so good it's got me into the festive spirit already," said Coun Simpson.

Harrogate Borough Council responded to complaints and delivered the third tree in time for the official festive light switch on ceremony.