A 45FT traditional Christmas tree has been erected in Stockton High Street - two years after the town's more modern tree was dubbed "Britain's worst" by the national press.

Stockton Council has put in place a tree from Kielder Forest in Northumberland, which was dressed today (SUN) ahead of the town's Christmas lights switch on on Thursday (November 26).

Two years ago a modern white "tree" installed on the High Street met with national criticism, with it being labelled an "upside down cornet" and "a disgrace" by locals.

This year's spruce is more traditional, and was lowered into place by crane into its new home in the High Street's Central Area.

From 5.30pm next Thursday, the northern end of the High Street will host a range of performances and special appearances before the countdown to the traditional Christmas lights switch on at 6.30pm.

The Christmas tree joins giant Christmas decorations which have appeared around the Town Centre in recent weeks including an extra-large illuminated reindeer and its young calf which sits on the High Street’s plinth, a polar bear and its cub peering inside the Town Hall, a huge gift box above the Shambles Market Hall and a giant glittering bauble in Dovecot Street.

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and Culture, Councillor Norma Wilburn, said: “Seeing the tree in situ, ready to be decorated, is a true sign that Christmas is on its way. This year Stockton Town Centre is going to be a winter wonderland, the perfect backdrop for residents and visitors to enjoy our festive programme of events, markets and street theatre.”

For full details of Stockton Sparkles’s exciting programme visit www.stockton.gov.uk/events