Town's 'tatty' tree is replaced

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Shoppers in a County Durham town have welcomed the delivery of a new Christmas tree, after last year's was condemned as the worst in Britain.

The 2008 tree - nicknamed "the twig" - was removed from Peterlee's Castle Dene Shopping Centre after many complaints.

One councillor said it was only fit for a skip.

Now a 25ft (7.6 metre) tree has been erected for this year's festive celebrations, which bosses hope will be talked about for the right reasons.

Even when decorated with coloured lights, the 2008 tree was described by one shopper as "the worst in the country".

At the time, Councillor Joan Maslin, of what was then Easington Council, said she had been "inundated" with complaints.

Centre managers say they have got things right this time

But centre manager Mike Weston said of this year's tree: "I think we've got it right this time. It looks very good.

He added: "We did get it wrong last time, but I've been here for eight years and that was the only time.

"We even have a second tree, provided by the Great North Air Ambulance."

Mr Weston said the centre had also spent £4,000 on new decorations.