WHAT is believed to be the tallest manhandled Christmas Tree in Wales was hauled into place in the centre of Rhayader on Sunday morning.

It meant an early start for a band of nearly 40 volunteer helpers who had to select and then cut down a tree in the nearby Elan Valley.

It was then hauled by hand through the forest to the main road, where it was loaded on to a tractor and trailer provided and driven by Owen Pugh for the three-mile journey into the town centre centre.

Following some trimming of the base by tree surgeon Andrew Mills and a stop for a cup of tea for the volunteers, the traffic through the town was brought to a halt so the tree could be hauled by rope into its position alongside the Rhayader Town clock.

Measuring nearly 40ft high it towered over the town clock once it was erected.

The lighting group who had also decorated the streets of the town with festive lights earlier in the day then placed a star on the top and decorated the tree with lights for the Christmas season.

Afterwards all those involved retired to the Royal Oak Hotel for refreshments and a well-earned drink.

This was by the Rhayader Christmas Tree Committee under the leadership of John Heal Humphreys who unfortunately was unable to participate in the exercise this year. It is the 59th year that the custom has been carried out.

The tree was as always donated to the town by the Elan Valley Estate.