Lord Mayor Robert Rigby, and Oslo’s mayor Anne Lindboe [Sturlason/Oslo Commune]

THE Lord Mayor of Westminster Robert Rigby flew out to an idyllic forest in Norway to help cut down a giant tree that will be shipped to Trafalgar Square.

This year’s super spruce – 20 metres tall and 56 years old – will be transported from the Oslo forest of Grefsen Kleiva to the port of Brevik, loaded on a ship bound for Immingham in Lincolnshire, before making the trip into central London.

It will be decorated with lightbulbs before being switched on by Cllr Rigby and Oslo’s mayor Anne Lindboe in a traditional ceremony on December 5. He said: “For many Londoners, the lighting of the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree marks the unofficial start of the festive period.

UK ambassador to Norway Jan Thompson, Lord Mayor Robert Rigby, and Oslo’s mayor Anne Lindboe [Sturlason/Oslo Commune]

“Thousands come to see the lights get switched on and millions more enjoy the tree during December, On behalf of the City of Westminster, I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to the people of Oslo and Norway for this gift. They have done a tremendous job as ever, the tree looks majestic. It is a huge privilege to be a part of this wonderful tradition and wish it a safe journey back to London.”

The tradition of Norway sending a tree to London began in 1947 as an expression of gratitude for the support the country received from the UK in World War II. When Norway was invaded in 1940 its king, Haakon VII, took refuge in Britain and the Norwegian government-in-exile was established in London.

In recent years part of the tradition has included the tree being mocked in online posts for having an “anaemic” look by passers-by who see it before it is decorated.

“The Christmas tree gift from Oslo to London is a tradition that symbolises the strong bond between our cities,” said Mayor Lindboe. “The gift represents gratitude, friendship and peace, and is just as significant today as it was 77 years ago.”