Christmas spirit has already sprung in Ottery following the donation of a festive fir by Otter Garden Centre.

The family business contacted organisers Richard Coley and Jeremy Batesman to see if they could donate the 13-foot tree.

A team of helpers from the centre worked with Richard, Jeremy and residents to put up the tree last Thursday.

Last year, the town’s offering was labelled the ‘worst tree in Britain’ rallying the community to find a new tree.

John Giblin, Otter Garden Centre manager, said the tree has been grown by staff at a site in Fairmile.

When lit, the tree will feature 1,000 Christmas lights and dozens of decorations including baubles and trinkets that have been placed on the fir for more than 20 years.

Mr Giblin said: “People were tooting their horns and cars were slowing down to see what was going on.

“It’s going to look great.”