A TREE nurtured in the North-East will be helping to create some seasonal cheer in the corridors of power.
A 50ft Sitka spruce, plucked from 150 million growing in Kielder Forest, will be Parliament's very own Christmas tree.
The giant specimen, felled by the Forestry Commission near Kielder Castle, Northumberland, will stand in New Palace Yard, at the foot of Big Ben.
Other smaller trees from Kielder are destined for 11th Century Westminster Hall, built by William the Conqueror's son, the Speaker's House and Black Rod's Garden.
Forester Vicky Pearson said: "It's a fantastic accolade to get such a prestigious order.
"Throughout the year we've been keeping our eyes open for trees with real star quality, possessing a straight and tall stature with fulsome foliage."
Kielder Forest is one of the few places in Britain capable of supplying large "civic trees" and other specimens are destined for city centres around the country.
Meanwhile, rangers are busy overseeing the public Christmas tree sales point at Kielder Castle, which operates daily, 11am to 5pm, until December 18.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article