CUMBRIA’S Red Shepherdess, Hannah Jackson, will be the celebrity judge of this year’s competition to find the best Christmas tree in Britain, with the winner providing the tree for Number 10 Downing Street.
The British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA) has launched the annual competition for its 320 members, with the judging taking place on October 20, at The Tree Barn, Greenfeld Farm, Watlington, Oxfordshire.
Hannah is a Cumbrian farmer who has featured on Countryfile, SAS Who Dares Wins and is a Sunday Times Bestselling author with her book, Call Me Red. She will select the best tree and wreath after members have shortlisted the entries.
The winner of Grower of The Year and Champion Festive Wreath will then provide the Christmas tree and wreath for Downing Street.
Last year, Hannah threw her weight behind a BCTGA campaign to promote buying real British Christmas trees and made headlines after decorating her tree with edible decorations, and leaving it outside for chickens and native birds to enjoy.
Hannah Jackson's Christmas tree from last year - full of edible 'baubles' for her chickens and wild birds
Hannah said: “I’m so excited to be involved with BCTGA again this year. Last year was so much fun showcasing how to make your very own wildlife friendly decorations for your tree and I’m honoured to be helping judge the best tree this year.”
Last year’s winner was York Christmas Trees, who were crowned Champion Christmas Tree Grower of the Year. The winner of Champion Festive Wreath was Welford Christmas Tree Farm.
The annual competition has been running since 1999.
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