Why skinny Christmas trees are having their moment

A tinsel garland has been used to identify a tree among a forest of pines

For years the "non-drop" Nordmann Fir has held the top spot as the most popular variety of real Christmas tree.

But, according to one South West grower, a new trend is gripping visitors to Christmas tree plantations - the skinny tree.

Helen Edge, co-partner of Santa Trees in St Keyne, near Liskeard, said: "People have come away from big fat trees because they just take up too much room."

The farm, which has been chosen to supply the Christmas wreath hung on the Door of Number 10 Downing Street, said fresh trees were in demand - as long as they fitted into modern homes.

Helen Edge and Margaret Dungey from Santa Trees hanging their wreath at 10 Downing Street

Mrs Edge said juggling a Christmas tree with furniture and not blocking the television was a challenge for families.

She said: "You end up moving furniture around and a fat tree is too much hassle for people. We find most people now want a slimmer tree."

Sheila and Steve Marrison, from St Keyne, visited the farm looking for a nice, slim tree.

"It can sit in the corner so it doesn't take up too much room and there's not too much of it for the cat to make a mess of," said Mrs Marrison.

Mrs Edge, with her mother and business partner Margaret Dungey, won Champion Wreath at the British Christmas Tree Growers Association for the second time this year.

The accolade means the team was asked to supply the Christmas wreaths for 10 and 11 Downing Street.

"We got invited to see the lights being turned on and for a Champagne reception and canapes inside Number 10," said Mrs Edge.

The Pooley family inside the giant Christmas wreath at Santa Trees

A new feature at Santa Trees this year is a giant wreath designed as a photo backdrop for people visiting to view the farm's 25,000 trees.

"This is dad's creation, he wanted to make a big six foot wreath ring," said Mrs Edge.

"So he made the wreath ring, he welded that together, and then myself and mum decorated it, put the fir on it, then put the lights and baubles on and it's just a nice photo opportunity for people," she said.

Jethro and Hayley Pooley and their children Maggie and Teddy had their photo taken by the new wreath.

"We've gone for a four footer (tree) to go in our small house," said Mr Pooley.

The Pooleys has been picking a tree from St Keyne for the last six years.

"We came as a couple to start with, then we had our son and we came with him on his own and then we had a daughter so they've grown up with it.

"They are very excited, especially our son," he said.