TWO 36ft tall Norwegian Spruce trees have been installed on prominent roundabouts in Worcester – signalling that Christmas can’t be too far away.

Worcester City Council’s senior arborist was dispatched six weeks ago to the Kielder Forest in Northumberland to pick the two trees.

The spruces were winched into place by crane yesterday after being transported on the back of lorry.

John Hancock, who has selected the trees by eye for the past 10 years, said getting the right tree was based on shape and density.

“When you first see the tree in the forest, you know that’s the one,” he said.

The trees were unwrapped without any breakages yesterday morning, and are now towering in all their glory at the New Road and Worcester Cathedral roundabouts.

Both will be hung with lights later in the week.

Later today, shoppers, visitors and commuters will be able to see two 18ft trees, which have been sourced from forests at Elveden, Suffolk, going up outside the Guildhall.

The city council’s parks and cemeteries team are set to put up the trees by hand.

“There’s going to be a few of us doing that. I think my back might be sore in the morning,” said Mr Hancock.

“We’ve also got another 18ft tree going up at St Andrew’s Spire later this week.

“Once they’re all up, we’ll be popping open the champagne as, so far, it’s all gone without any trouble at all.”

Singing star Charlie Green is switching on the city’s Christmas lights on Thursday outside the Guildhall in High Street.

The Britain’s Got Talent sensation will be part of the entertainment, kicking off at about 4.30pm, with everyone welcome to join the countdown for the lighting up.