Huskies get the Christmas tree spirit

The team of huskies was led by 42-year-old Simon Manning from Driffield, pictured above in his Santa Claus outfit, who represented Britain in the World Husky Championships in Sweden two years ago and regularly trains in the forest.

The trees, which are freshly cut from the 8,600-acre forest in North Yorkshire, go on sale at its visitor centre from December 1.

And following last year's heavy snow, which stopped many from getting to the forest, rangers decided huskies would be the perfect choice to bring in the first batch of trees.

Dalby Forest visitor centre manager Tanya Rex said: "We are dreaming of a white Christmas, of course, but not quite as white as last year.

"All the same the huskies were a natural choice to launch this year's sales after the deep freeze we endured."

Tree sales will be in operation daily from 10am to 4pm at the visitor centre until December 23.