For Christmas Tree growers the length and breadth of the UK, it’s the single most important honour of the year – who will get to have their tree stand proud in Downing Street over the festive season?

That decision has been declared, and British Christmas Tree Growers’ Association member Colin Griffith was named winner of the Champion Tree category in the all-important national competition.

Colin, from Dinmore Hill Trees at Festive Farm in Wellington, Hereford, will now present a Christmas Tree to the official residence of the Prime Minister in the first week of December.

Making it a double-victory for the county of Hereford, Champion Wreath category went in the favour of Brian Taylor – of Allensmore Nurseries in Hereford.

The runner up prize in the Champion Tree category was presented to Swansea grower Rob Morgan, of Gower Fresh Christmas Trees. He will be asked to provide the tree for the Pillared Room of Number 10.

Over 100 growers took part in this year’s national competition, with prizes awarded by John Howell, Conservative MP for Henley.

The event saw hopeful contenders – who span in age from 18 to 80 – come together to showcase their trees to expert growers, and be judged by fellow members.

Each farmer, who will have spent around 10 years nurturing the tree to full ‘competition’ height, is able to enter categories including Best Nordman, Best Other Fir, Best Pine, Best Norway Spruce, Best Other Spruce, Best Container Grown, and Best Festive Wreath.

Finalists were permitted to submit only one tree into each category, and trees entered must be commercially cultivated and be 1.8 metres ( +/- 400mms) high from base to tip. Each is judged for foliage, colour, shape and marketability.

Following the verdict from the prestigious competition day, the winning grower supplies Downing Street’s 20 ft Christmas tree, while the winner of the wreath category creates a wreath to hang at the front door of Number 10.

Harry Brightwell, secretary of the British Christmas Tree Growers’ Association, said: “We were thrilled with the standard of entries this year, and with the huge effort put in by such a large number of growers.

“The competition is taken very seriously by all members and the winners deserve huge applause for their achievement.”

He added: “We view the contest as a chance to recognise what incredible year-round work goes into being a Christmas tree farmer. Now we simply encourage all homeowners to consider a British grown tree for their seasonal celebrations this year.”