CLACTON town centre is set for an impressive 30ft Christmas tree following last year’s shambles.

Last year’s paltry 15ft tree was labelled as “laughable” by shoppers and traders.

It was donated by the Federation of Small Businesses, but was axed by Tendring Council after just one day after complaints were made, and replaced with another which was twice the size.

This year, the main contractors for the huge coastal protection scheme have donated a tree to be proud of.

VBA Joint Venture has paid more than £1,000 for a 30ft tree in the town square for the festive season.

It will arrive by lorry from the Forestry Commission at Elveden later this week.

The tree will be put in place using a giant forklift truck and will be decorated with 4,000 LED lights and more than 400 baubles.

Council environment boss Nick Turner said: “We are very grateful for the donation of the tree for the town square as it is a focal point for all the seasonal festivities.

“We have ordered the tree from our normal suppliers and I am sure that everyone will be delighted when it is in place.”

The tree will remain in the town centre until the first week of January.