WORKERS have completed the mammoth task of installing the lights on Britain’s tallest Christmas tree.

The 118-foot Giant Redwood at Wakehurst Place, Ardingly, is so tall it acts as a landmark for planes coming in to land at Gatwick.

Two cherry pickers arrived on site earlier this week and workers set about climbing the tree to wrap around the 1,800 lamps.

David Marchant, head of logistics at Wakehurst, said: “The work is weather-dependent as it's too dangerous to climb to such heights in strong winds.

“After hours of meticulous rigging, there’s that tense moment familiar to everyone decorating their tree at home - testing the lights to make sure they work.”

More than 20 years ago botanists at the 500-acre Wakehurst estate had the idea of lighting-up one of the trees for Christmas.

Iain Parkinson, Wakehurst’s woodland manager, said: “Christmas at Wakehurst just wouldn't be Christmas without our giant tree.”

The tree will be the focal point of the estate’s Glow Wild winter lantern festival from December 4 to 7. For more details visit kew.org/lanterns