A YORK Christmas tree grower will supply the tree for No. 10 Downing Street after winning a national award.
York Christmas Trees, based at Wigginton Lodge in Wigginton, has been named Christmas Tree Grower of the Year by the British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA).
As a reward, they have earned the honour of supplying the iconic Christmas tree outside 10 Downing Street for the second time in six years - having previously taken the top spot in 2020.
Oliver Combe, who runs the business with his wife Kirstie, said: "York Christmas Trees is a family run business, and after 28 years of growing Christmas trees, we are incredibly proud to have won this title once again.
"It is very rewarding to be recognised for producing a beautiful tree by your peers. Growing Christmas trees is a year-round labour of love that requires patience, dedication and expertise."
The winning tree, a Nordmann Fir, also took the top prize in its category in addition to the overall title.
The Downing Street Christmas tree being decorated (Image: Provided)
Oliver added: "Each tree spends around eight years growing in the field before being harvested and is carefully pruned by hand twice a year to encourage healthy growth and a good shape.
"All our trees are grown on our own farmland within two miles of the Christmas Barn Shop and we are fortunate to have a dedicated team of local people and contractors, many of whom return year after year.
"This award is a testament to their hard work, and it is wonderful to bring this recognition back to York and Yorkshire."
Joe Combe, Bryn the dog and Oliver and Kirstie Combe with the tree loaded up and ready to go in 2020 (Image: Provided)
York Christmas Trees was founded in 1998 when the family planted their first trees and has supplied trees for York Minster, Castle Howard, Grantley Hall and Woburn Abbey.
The company received a BCTGA Innovation Award in 2023 for developing the 'Doziroller,' a tool designed to help create the ideal Christmas tree shape.
Russell Parkins, chair of the BCTGA, said: "Competition Day is a real celebration of the skill, dedication and expertise of British Christmas tree growers.
British Christmas Growers Association Awards - 2026 Winners (Image: Provided)
"With over 100 entries, the standard this year was exceptionally high.
"Every tree entered in the competition was grown here in the UK, and that’s a message we want shoppers to hear as they choose their tree this Christmas."
This year’s Champion Festive Wreath of the Year went to Santa Trees of Cornwall, who will supply the wreath for the door of 10 Downing Street, and runner-up Welford Christmas Tree Farm in Northamptonshire will provide trees for the interior of No. 10.