A CHRISTMAS tree had to be taken down in South Tyneside after gale force winds snapped its trunk.
Police and firefighters were called out to The Viking Centre, Jarrow, at about 2.40pm on Sunday after the alarm was raised.
Strong winds had caused the 20ft tree, which was outside of Wilkinson, to snap and there were concerns it posed a danger to passers-by.
A spokesman from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: “We received a call at 2.40pm on Sunday to say an outdoor Christmas tree had snapped and there were concerns for safety.
“We removed its securing wires and laid the tree down flat.”
Council officials then took the tree away.