A GIANT Norwegian Christmas tree bound for London's Trafalgar Square passed through Immingham – and was greeted at the port by Blue Peter.
The 20-metre festive fir arrived at the town's docks at the weekend on its way to the capital, where it was erected yesterday morning.
Its journey from Oslo to London via Immingham each year is part of a tradition dating back to 1947.
Lee Burniston, general manager of UK sales fir DFDS Seaways, which arranges the tree's transportation from Norway, said: "The tradition started when the Norwegian royal family decided to gift a Christmas tree to the people of London to thank them for British support during the Second World War.
"Every year since, the Lord Mayor Westminster travels to Oslo in November to attend a special ceremony when the tree is felled.
"This year's tree is 70 years old, so it would have been growing when the Norwegian royal family sought refuge in Britain during the war.
"Helping to bring it over to the UK is something we see as an honour and which we very much enjoy doing."
Awaiting the 65-tonne tree's arrival in Immingham was Blue Peter presenter Radzi Chinyanganya, who was following its journey to London.
He took the time to meet three lucky children from nearby Allerton Primary, who had won a competition to design a festive bauble.
The children's designs were handed to the driver of the truck and driven to London where they will be displayed in Trafalgar Square.
Stefan Goldsmith, 6, from Immingham, said: "I was really excited to see the Blue Peter presenter.
"It's really good being invited to see the tree arrive."
Brandon McKie, 8, from Immingham, added: "My design was a snow globe with Santa inside beside a fireplace and stars covered in gold glitter.
"I'm really pleased I was picked to come and see the tree arrive."
Harvey Barnett, 9, from Immingham, added: "I watch Blue Peter sometimes so it's good being able to meet one of the presenters. I'm really glad I won."
Andrew Hogson, chief executive of Beck And Pollitzer, which drove the tree to London, added: "We take the tree to one of our yards in London and then use cranes to lift it into position in Trafalgar Square at 4.30am in the morning, so that it's ready by 9.30am."
Immingham will appear on Blue Peter on December 12.
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