A 16-FEET tall Christmas tree, installed by a Finnish art group, has been unveiled outside a city church.

The launch of Treecycle, by Finnish art group Vieno Motors, marked the beginning of a collaboration between Brighton Fringe and The Finnish Institute in London.

The Christmas tree, decorated by artist Ilona Valkonen, a member of the “anarchist florist” group, is now located in the north grounds of St Peter’s Church, Brighton, after it was first put on display on Friday.

Pauliina Ståhlberg, director of The Finnish Institute in London, said: “This Christmas tree project has been a wonderful start to our collaboration with Brighton Fringe.

“We are looking forward to presenting a varied Finnish Showcase at the festival in the spring.”

Ms Valkonen has combined organic and man-made materials, drawing attention to the value of discarded materials such as electrical wires and bicycle tyres, by re-purposing them as Christmas decorations alongside live, flowering bulbs.

She hopes that the delicacy of the flowers, combined with the rawness of the recycled material, helps the viewer find aesthetic value in decorations that would usually be thrown away.

The installation was unveiled by Julian Caddy, managing director of Brighton Fringe, Sara Forsius from the Finnish Institute in London and Ms Valkonen.

Treecycle is a collaborative effort between Brighton Fringe, The Finnish Institute in London and a number of Brighton- based organisations, including St Peter’s Church, Brighton and Hove City Council, Brighton Metropolitan College, Phoenix Brighton and The Finnish School of Brighton.

The new tree will be in place at the church for six weeks.

A festive celebration marking the centenary of Finnish independence will be held around the decorated tree at 4.30pm on December 6.

An appearance from a Finnish Santa is expected, as well as a speech from the mayor of Brighton and Hove, Mo Marsh.

A group will be singing carols at the event, with Finnish cakes and non-alcoholic Glöggi on sale.