Cranleigh business Hans Christmas Andersen had the pleasure of visiting Downing Street for its Christmas Tree light up this week, after winning several prizes at a prestigious national awards.

Hans Christmas Andersen, based at Santa Fir in Shamley Green, provided Christmas trees for inside No.10 and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) after winning Runner Up Christmas Tree Grower of the Year and Best Short Film.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:

It is fantastic to welcome the winners of this year’s BCTGA Competition to Downing Street, to light up our tree.

We’re grateful to those who have helped to decorate Number 10, from those at Marldon Farm in Devon who provided our 20ft Christmas tree to those at Friezeland Christmas Tree Farm in Warwickshire who supplied our wreath.

Their work is a true testament to all of our growers and producers up and down the UK who work so hard throughout the year to provide us with everything we need to get into the festive spirit.

Wherever you are this Christmas, I wish you joy and peace, along with health and happiness in the year ahead.

Heather Parry, Managing Agent for BCTGA said:

This Christmas will be a truly special one and tonight signals the start of festivities when people will want to come together more than ever before.

We are so proud of our members who have worked tirelessly to overcome challenges to ensure the public can enjoy a fresh, real Christmas tree, harvested from plantations up and down the country.

Tonight, we celebrate some of the best in the business and congratulate our 2021 winners: Sadie Lynes from Marldon Christmas Tree Farm, Toby Ryley of Friezeland Christmas Tree Farm and Hans and Julie from Hans Christmas Andersen.

And not forgetting a thank you to Jane and Charlotte who have decorated the Christmas tree outside No10 for the last five years, they do a terrific job at their busiest time.

The annual British Christmas Tree Growers Association competition has been run since 1998. The BCTGA, which was formed 31 years ago, is managed by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.

Photos: Tim Hammond / No 10 Downing Street