1 December 2011 Last updated at 13:02 ET

David Cameron turns on lights on No 10 Christmas tree

David Cameron with Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton at the switch on

David Cameron has turned on the lights on the Christmas tree outside No 10.

The five metre Nordmann Fir, a species originating from southern Russia, was grown in south Oxfordshire.

The tree was donated to No 10 and selected to stand outside the prime minister's official residence following a competition organised by the British Christmas Tree Growers' Association.

The Association, which has 320 members, sells more than eight million trees every year.

The tree, grown by Andrew Ingram, was selected at an annual competition held in Yattendon, Berkshire, after getting top marks for its foliage, colour, shape and marketability.

It was decorated in traditional white by a firm of specialist contractors.

The runner-up in the competition, Stuart Kirkup, supplied a smaller tree to go up inside No 10 while Ella Miles was chosen to provide the decorated wreath for the door of No 10.

2011 is the second Christmas the Camerons will spend in Downing Street. He was joined at the switch on by Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton.