WHEN thousands of Wyre Forest families wake up on Christmas Day to open presents beneath their tree they will probably be unaware it was eight years earlier the tree began its growth. Andrew Nott with a two-year-old tree.

And one of the men who helps ensure the tree has pride of place in homes for the festive fun is Rock farmer Andrew Nott, who gave the Shuttle/Times & News an insight into his work at his 280-acre Hill Farm. Turning to mechanical power to dig up the trees.

Mr Nott, who dedicates 15 acres to Christmas trees and the rest to cereal, barley, wheat and beans, said: "It takes eight years for the trees to grow to 7ft on average and I actually plant 10,000 a year.

"People are surprised at how long it takes the trees to grow, but in the first three or four years the weeds around the trees need keeping under control, and then there is two years or so of hand pruning them.

"To ensure you get good quality it is also vital to prune and shear them properly as this helps give the bushy shape effect which people notice most in a Christmas tree."

However, the finished article does not arrive without a hard slog along the way. Cutting the trees by chainsaw.

The 33-year-old, who has lived at Hill Farm all his life and has taken over ownership from his father, added: "It's really hard but rewarding work. I sell to wholesalers and the public throughout the country because Christmas tree farmers are few and far between.

"In the six weeks before Christmas I have 14-hour days and you wouldn't believe what I begin doing in January - you've guessed it, planting Christmas trees!"