A council has been labelled a Scrooge over its Christmas tree this year.

Shoppers in Stockton joined Councillor Stephen Smailes, leader of the opposition on the council, in criticism of the fir tree.

Coun Smailes has branded it a "twig" and said it is not even fit for a community centre.

He said: "Up until last year, the Christmas tree was always outside the town hall. This year, the council have put a twig with a few fairy lights on it outside the municipal buildings.

"They do not have the courtesy to give the people of Stockton a tree with any substance, whereas inside the municipal buildings there is a massive Christmas tree.

"The Stockton council leaders are like Scrooges. I have been inundated with complaints."

Coun Smailes described how, years ago, a large Spruce tree was shipped in from Norway for Christmas in Stockton.

He said: "It was brought up the River Tees, when it was still tidal, in a big ceremony, and put outside the town hall, with a grotto around it."

Shoppers over the weekend agreed with Mr Smailes.

Keith Garrett, 56, of Norton, said: "I think the tree should definitely be outside the town hall, on the High Street. That is the natural place to put it. I don't know why it has been moved."

Mary Sorrell, 64, of Fairfield, Stockton, also thought the tree should be on the High Street.

She said: "Why can't they put it in the shopping area where everyone can enjoy it? I have only seen the tree a couple of times this year and I almost missed it because it was so small."

A council spokesman said: "The council has held the biggest Christmas celebrations ever in Stockton this year. We have had the Christmas lights switch-on, the arrival of Santa, and on Friday probably the biggest carol concert in the North-East region.

"We have had thousands of people at three enormous events in the town centre. It is a lovely little tree, and it could not be too big otherwise it would have obscured the stage at the carol concert.