A CHAMPION Christmas tree grower is confident local supplies will help overcome fears of a national shortage of trees this festive period.

Oliver Combe, who runs York Christmas Trees in Wigginton with wife Kirstie, has responded to the increasing concerns by reinforcing the message that locally sourced trees will be available this Christmas.

Mr Combe’s comments came after consumers have been warned nationally of a potential shortage of Christmas trees and higher prices this year in the latest fallout from the labour and supply chain difficulties facing the UK.

Around one tenth of the real Christmas trees sold in the UK are imported, but there are fears post-Brexit regulations and a stretched labour market could result in shortages and higher demand for locally grown trees, retailers have said.

But Oliver said there’s no need for people in York to worry.

He said: “Concerns about lack of haulage capacity is not a problem for British growers like ourselves. Our trees are grown in our own fields and taken straight to the farm, therefore, haulage is not a problem. I fully endorse the British Christmas Tree Growers Association message to “ buy local” because you are not only supporting growers in your area but also ensuring a lower carbon footprint which is good for the environment.

“We have been enjoying excellent growing conditions and I am confident that it will be a successful Christmas for both local growers and the public. Your local grower is able to deliver trees in a safe environment using sustainable methods.”

Oliver supplied the giant Christmas tree for 10, Downing Street last December.

Oliver earned the right to supply the tree by winning the title of Champion Christmas Grower of the Year with a tree chosen by his son Joe, who was present to watch the tree being felled.