Ottery St Mary Christmas tree is tallest yet!

A hardworking bunch from Ottery and Otter Garden Centres came together to put up this year’s Christmas tree.

It’s the tallest yet, standing at around 19 feet. The tree was grown on the garden centre’s Christmas tree plantation in East Devon and is a particularly lovely specimen.

This year the Town Council ordered new decorations, which were supplied by Otter’s Christmas shop. The giant baubles in red, green and white plus oversized icicles and strings of outdoor fairy lights give a bright festive cheer to the tree.

Following tradition, the first bauble was added to the tree by Ottery resident Richard Coley who makes sure there’s a Christmas tree in Ottery town centre every year. He was joined by Vicky Johns from the Town Council, Jeremy Bateson, Sarah Stewart and the garden centre team, John Giblin, Lucy Wederell, Kevin Palfrey and Neil Palfrey.

Richard was delighted with the tree, saying “This really is the best one ever! I like the new decorations and think it looks lovely. Thanks to everyone for coming to help.”

Timing ensured the tree was ready for the Festive Cheer event with late night shopping and the Christmas lights switch on.

Otter Garden Centres Managing Director Jacqui Taylor said: “We’re sure this year’s Christmas tree will go down a treat; it has been growing with us for around 15 years to reach its impressive size.

“The team told me that they heard a young passerby shout out ‘wow’ when she saw it! We hope the tree adds to everyone’s enjoyment this festive season.”