Trafalgar Square: Norwegian Christmas tree felled ahead of London journey

Lord Mayor of Westminster Patricia McAllister and Mayor of Oslo Anne Lindboe helped to cut down the spruce

London's traditional Christmas gift has been felled in Norway ahead of its trip to Trafalgar Square.

It grew in Nordmarka, the forests just north of Oslo, and will be loaded onto a ship bound for the capital.

Standing at 62 ft (19 metres) tall, the tree will arrive in central London at the start of next month ahead of an official lights ceremony on 7 December.

The Norwegian spruce is sent each year a token of thanks for Britain's support during World War Two.

A specialist rigging team will erect the spruce in Trafalgar Square using a hydraulic crane.

The tree is loaded onto a ship avoiding any contact with salt water, which could damage it and sets sail for the UK

The tree will be decorated in traditional Norwegian fashion with vertical strings of energy-efficient lights, Westminster Council said.

The Lord Mayor of Westminster Patricia McAllister joined the British Ambassador Jan Thompson for the official tree felling ceremony in Norway.

It was hosted by the Mayor of Oslo, Anne Lindboe, and was also attended by local primary school children, officials who are involved with the maintenance of the forest and members of the public.

• Trafalgar Square Christmas tree: The early years

This year marks the 76th anniversary since King Haakon VII sent the first spruce to London.

When Norway was invaded in 1940, the King of Norway sought refuge in Britain and the Norwegian government-in-exile was established in London.

To most Norwegians, London represented the spirit of freedom during these difficult war years.

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