Town centre loses Christmas tree to storm damage

Stockton's Christmas tree was damaged in Storm Pia

A town centre Christmas tree has been removed after it was damaged during Storm Pia.

The Christmas tree was part of Stockton town centre's festive display and had been given pride of place outside the town hall on High Street.

Stockton Borough Council said it was "sorry" to say the tree was damaged by high winds and it had to be removed.

"The safety of everyone visiting the High Street is paramount," a spokesman said.

Following an inspection of the tree, workers chopped it down in the middle of the square.

They then used saws to remove the branches before a crane loaded it on to a lorry.

A replacement tree will not be put up in its place, the council said, but another Christmas tree is available on Silver Street.

Photographer Terry Blackburn captured the tree's removal.

Passersby look on as the tree is cut down on Stockton's High Street

The lights and decorations were removed before the tree was chopped down

Saws were used to remove the branches from the tree

A crane was brought to the scene to help remove the trunk

The trunk and branches were loaded on to a lorry to be taken away