The village of Sacriston in County Durham has reportedly been "disgraced" by its official Christmas tree.
The 4ft tree is dwarfed by three 15ft scaffolding poles used to hold a number of multicoloured lights, the Daily Mail reports.
Sacriston parish councillor Allen Turner said: 'It's the first time the village has had a living tree and it was always going to be small to start with.
"The weather was horrendous a couple of weeks ago and the tree was damaged, part of it snapped off at the top. If that hadn't happened the tree would have fitted in the frame better.
"The tree will grow and will be there for many years to come. I have spoken to many villagers and the vast majority are positive about it."
However, former parish council chairman John Meek, 72, said: "This tree is an insult to the people of Sacriston. It's a disgrace. Anyone who has ever held a spade knows it isn't going to grow any bigger.
"The growing tip of the tree has gone, and all that will happen is the branches will grow out, it will get wider and look a mess."
oh and who signed it 
