A contest is held every year to supply our tree

Here is the first in our seasonal selection of features about life at Christmas in Number 10.

Every year since 1947, the City of Oslo in Norway has presented the City of Westminster with a large Christmas tree which stands in London's Trafalgar Square.

And every year since 1979 the British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA) has presented the Prime Minister with a large Christmas tree which stands outside the door on 10 Downing Street.

A Christmas tree is one of the most popular traditions associated with Christmas.

Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, is credited with starting the trend in Britain in 1841 when he brought the first Christmas tree to Windsor Castle.

Since 1982, the British Christmas Tree Grower's Association have donated a tree to Number 10 after holding their annual competition to find the best grower.

Entries to the competition are divided into three categories; Pine, Fir, Spruce. All trees must be between 1.8m and 2.2m in height.

The judges look for foliage, colour, shape and marketability. This year's entries were on display on 19 October at Woods Farm, Solihull where the judging took place and the winner was announced.

Netherraw Forestry of Bewlie Mains Farm, Melrose, Scotland were named champion UK Christmas Tree growers 2006.

One of their 17ft firs will stand outside Downing Street this festive season. Netherraw also won in 2004. They picked up the award for best Norway Spruce that year.

Cherie Blair flicks the switch on the Downing Street Christmas tree lights every year after hosting a children's party in Number 10.

By 10 Downing Street