THE town's Christmas Tree has been placed in front of Hexham Abbey.

EGGER (UK) Ltd marked the start of Hexham’s festive season on Wednesday, November 13 by donating a Sitka Spruce Christmas tree to the town, continuing the tradition which began in 2009.

EGGER’s committed Christmas team consisted of Arthur Harvey, project engineer; Melvin Fawcett, garage team leader; James Wood, engineering works coordinator and Daniel McPherson from ROX Fabrications.

The base was transported by W.M. Cook Construction and the tree was delivered by SGS Timber and Robert Scott.

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Bray Cranes supplied the crane to help position it safely.

Hexham mayor, Derek Kennedy, commented: “Once again we thank EGGER for its generous donation of a Christmas Tree for Hexham. It makes an excellent centrepiece for the town’s festive celebrations.”

To decorate the Christmas tree base, EGGER will donate a festive banner decorated by the children of EGGER employees. The banner will be revealed at the Christmas tree light switch on, on Friday, November 22 at Hexham Abbey.

This will be the last year Arthur Harvey oversees the Christmas tree installation before retiring. He has pulled together the whole team of helpers since EGGER first donated a tree to Hexham.

Arthur said: “It has been a privilege to manage the Hexham Christmas tree since the first installation in 2009 on behalf of EGGER. I hope this year’s tree contributes to the Christmas celebrations for all the people of Hexham."

Once the festive season has ended, the tree will be recycled at the EGGER Hexham factory and used in chipboard production.