A NEW 30ft Christmas tree is heading to Clacton after shoppers and traders described the original one as laughable.

The Federation of Small Businesses donated a 15ft tree as the centrepiece of the town’s festive celebrations.

It was taken down a day later after being branded “not man enough for the job” by council leader Peter Halliday.

Consultants Mott MacDonald, which has been working with Tendring Council on the town’s sea defence project, has contributed £785 towards a replacement tree, which will come from Elveden Forest in Suffolk.

The Federation of Small Businesses has also offered £200.

Mr Halliday, said he was delighted the town would be getting a Christmas tree in keeping with the prominent site.

He said: “We are very grateful to Mott MacDonald and the Federation of Small Businesses for stepping in with this generous gesture.

“I am sure it will be greatly appreciated by residents and businesses alike.

“The tree should be delivered during the next week and will be put up and decorated – and will stay there until the new year.”

Mr Halliday said the original tree was too small for the setting and would not have withstood the strong winds that often blow down Pier Avenue.

Hannah Serghiou, who runs the Olde Sweet Shop, in Pier Avenue, said: “It’s great to hear we will have a proper tree in Clacton. It is fair to say the first one was a bit paltry.

“It is very generous of the sponsors to pay for it. Hopefully it will be a bit more of an attraction and bring shoppers into the town.”

Tendring Council said a decision on what to do with the first tree will be made once the council has spoken to the federation.