Parliament's Christmas tree begins journey from Northumberland to Big Ben

The journey from Northumberland's Kielder Forest to central London is 330-miles. Credit: PA Images.

A 40ft Christmas tree which will stand at the foot of Big Ben has started its journey south from a forest in Northumberland.

The Sitka spruce was selected from among the 150 million trees in Kielder Forest to stand in the iconic central London location.

Forestry England workers carefully felled the 40-year-old pine to avoid damaging it, before it was wrapped and put on a lorry for the 330-mile journey to London.

“So many people from all over the world will see it lit up" said Beat Forester Richard Cooper. Credit: PA Images

Beat Forester Richard Cooper, of Forestry England, said: “I fell and plant a lot of trees every year but this is always the most special – it’s got to be perfect.

“Kielder Forest has been supplying the tree to stand alongside Big Ben for over 20 years.

Kielder Forest has been supplying the tree to stand alongside Big Ben for over 20 years. Credit: PA Images

“It’s not just about how good it looks in the forest, it’s a real skill to bring it down safely and transport it all the way to London without causing any damage.

“So many people from all over the world will see it lit up and I’m really proud to see something from our corner of Northumberland take pride of place.”

The tree is being delivered and installed in the parliamentary grounds at New Palace Yard.