Scottish Christmas tree has pride of place at Downing Street.

Downing Street is sparkling with festive cheer, following the presentation of this year’s Christmas tree by the British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA).
 
Each year, the BCTGA hosts a prestigious Christmas Tree Competition to find the country’s Champion Christmas Tree Grower. The 14th annual competition was held at Berkshire College of Agriculture in October.
 
Mike Craig of Garrocher Tree Farm in Newton Stewart, Dumfries and Galloway, picked up the coveted title and had the honour of delivering a 22ft Nordmann Fir tree to 10 Downing Street, which was lit by Prime Minister David Cameron earlier this week.
 
Runners up Richard and Gail Underwood of Oakberry Trees, Dunton Bassett, Lutterworth, also supplied a tree which now takes pride of place in the Pillared Room inside the Prime Minister’s home.
 
The winners of the Champion Wreath accolade, sisters-in-law Marie and Ragni Gilbert of Woods Farm, Shirley, Solihull, saw their decorated wreath take up prime position on the iconic black door.
 
Mike Craig said: “It’s a real honour to have our tree stand outside one of the country’s most famous residences. We really enjoyed our visit to Downing Street and it was great to watch the tree being decorated.”
 
Harry Brightwell, secretary for the BCTGA added: “The presentation of the winner’s Christmas tree to Downing Street is always a highlight on the association’s calendar. Mike’s tree looks splendid, as does Richard and Gail’s indoor tree and Marie and Ragni’s colourful wreath.”
 
The BCTGA was established in 1979 to provide a quality standard for Christmas tree growers in the UK and champions the purchase of real sustainable Christmas trees.
 
For more information about the BCTGA visit www.bctga.co.uk or twitter.com/bctga.