Keeping your real Christmas tree as fresh as the day it left the forest can be easy if you follow a few tips from the experts.
The Forestry Commission sell around 100,000 Christmas trees in Britain each year and has produced a free information pack and website with handy hints on keeping real trees over the festive period.

The pack and website also have loads of information about Christmas winter warming forest walks and bike rides and festive events around the country.

To find out more about Christmas with the Forestry Commission, including where to get your real tree and how to keep it, phone 0845 FORESTS (367 3787) for an information pack or log on to www.forestry.gov.uk/christmas.

By following these tips you can keep your tree in tip top condition:

• stand the tree in a bucket of water and keep in a cool place, such as a garage or shed, until ready to take indoors for decorating.
• before taking it indoors, gently shake the tree to remove any loose needles
• when you are ready to decorate the tree, cut off at least an inch from the bottom of its trunk - this will encourage it to draw up water
• pot the tree with the trunk immersed in water - many centres sell special stands designed to do this
• avoid using sand or soil in the tree stand as they restrict water from being drawn up into the trunk
• stand the tree in the coolest part of the room, ideally next to a window and away from radiators and fires
• Finally, remember to top up the tree stand with water every day.

Media enquiries to the Forestry Commission Communications Branch 0131 314 6508/6289.