Britain's best Christmas tree champion has been selected – the winner, York Christmas Trees, will now provide the Christmas tree outside 10 Downing Street, in December.

Organised by the British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA), the annual competition has been running since 1999, but this is the first time it has been judged by celebrities due to Covid-19 restrictions meaning that all the growers could not get together as usual to place the winners. The judging took place at the Great Yorkshire Showground, in Harrogate.

Yorkshire shepherdess, Amanda Owen, star of Channel 5’s ‘Our Yorkshire Farm', joined Peter Wright, from Channel 5’s ‘The Yorkshire Vet’, were special judges alongside head judge, Stuart Kirkup, of Dartmoor Christmas Trees, in Devon, who won last year. The wreath class was judged by the celebrities and Toby Ryley, Friezeland Farm, Leics, last year’s class winner.

Oliver Combe, of York Christmas Trees, said: “We are a small local family business who have been growing trees for over 20 years. We are overwhelmed to have won the title of champion grower for 2020, it is a huge accolade!"

Heather Parry, manager of BCTGA, said: “We were delighted by the number of entries, particularly as competitors couldn’t attend in person. We have certainly set solid foundations for it to be an even bigger next year.

"The quality and the amazing scent of the trees on display was incredible – this is truly the Oscars for Christmas trees. It was heartening to hear also that many growers are selling more trees than normal, as consumers plan ahead to have a real Christmas tree as the centrepiece of their home this year.”

LEADINGawards:

Champion Grower of the Year – Oliver Combe, York Christmas Trees, North Yorkshire; runner-up – Jon Baker, Little Down Christmas Tree Farm, East Sussex.

Best pine – Michael Craig, Garrocher Tree Farm, Ayr; runner-up – David Brown, Infinity Christmas Trees, Herefordshire.

Best Norway spruce – Oliver Combe; runner-up – Neil Wright, Newsholme Christmas Trees, Goole, East Yorks.

Best other spruce – Sarah Flamson, Cadeby Tree Trust, Warwickshire; runner-up – Andrew Ingram, Greenfield Partnership, Oxfordshire.

Best Nordmann fir – Jon Baker; runner-up – Andrew Stenton, Billingley Christmas Trees, Barnsley, South Yorks.

Best other fir – Rory Young, Scottish Christmas Trees, Dumfries; runner-up – Mr and Mrs RM Stanhope, Bishops Offley Christmas Trees, Stafford.

Best container grown tree – Andrew Stenton; runner-up – Hans Alexandersen, HA Trim, Guildford

Champion festive wreath – Will and Ella Miles, Welford Christmas Tree Farm, Northampton.

Best natural wreath – Jeff Lynes, Newbury Christmas Tree Farm, Berkshire; runner-up – Hans Alexandersen.

Best decorated wreath – Will and Ella Miles; runner-up – Jeff Lynes.

Best short film – Sholach Trees, Perthshire, Scotland; runner-up – Hans Alexandersen.