3 December 2012 Last updated at 14:19 ET

Stanley Christmas tree taken down over safety fears

A town's Christmas tree has been taken down just days after it was switched on, amid fears someone could be electrocuted.

The blue-lit tree in Stanley, County Durham, cost £10,500 and was turned on during celebrations on Saturday.

It was dismantled after its power supply was deemed inappropriate for a public display.

Carl Marshall, a director of Stanley Events, said efforts were being made to make the tree safe.

Mr Marshall, a Durham County councillor, said: "It was not a danger when lit up; however, if anybody interfered with it, swung on the branches or the junction boxes when they were messing about, they could get a big shock."

The tree was paid for by Stanley Town Council and the festival arranged by the events company.

No one from the town council was available to comment.