Trafalgar Square Christmas tree on way to London

Westminster's Lord Mayor Paul Dimoldenberg and Oslo's Mayor Anne Lindboe attended the felling ceremony

The 79th Trafalgar Square Christmas tree has been felled and is making its way from Norway to London.

A Norwegian spruce has been given to the UK every year since 1947 as a gesture of thanks for Britain's support during World War Two.

Westminster's Lord Mayor, Paul Dimoldenberg, and Oslo's Mayor, Anne Lindboe, attended the felling ceremony in Norway and will also take part in the lights switch-on on Thursday, 4 December.

The 20-metre-tall tree, which is about 65 years old, was selected by experts and through a social media poll. It has been named "Ever Oslo".

Mr Dimoldenberg said the tree would "look magnificent in Trafalgar Square".

He added: "People sometimes overlook the meaning behind the tree, but we must never forget the importance of friendship and solidarity during uncertain times."

Ms Lindboe said: "We are happy to share Ever Oslo with London. In a world marked by instability, with conflicts and crises in many countries, symbols of friendship and hope become especially important."

The Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree in 2007

This year's felling had a "slight delay" after a protester attached themselves to the tree in the Oslo forest.

Ever Olso's journey begins with a 180km (112-mile) trip by electric vehicle from the forest to Brevik port in Norway, before following a routine shipping route to the UK.

The Trafalgar Square lights switch-on event will start at 17:00 GMT with the lights turned on at 20:00.

The tree will remain in Trafalgar Square until 5 January before being recycled.