Redwood is giant Christmas tree

The tree is being decorated with 1,800 energy-saving lightbulbs

Work has got under way to decorate a giant Redwood tree with 1,800 lights at Kew's country garden in West Sussex.

The 100ft Redwood at Wakehurst Place is said to be the UK's tallest Christmas tree - and when lit up is visible from the sky on flights to Gatwick Airport.

Expert tree climbers were scaling the tree with ropes and high-level platforms from 0730 GMT on Wednesday.

James Pumfrey, from the conservation and woodland unit, said work would take most of the day to complete.

Mr Pumfrey is one of a team of arborists who look after trees around the 500 acre estate near Haywards Heath.

He said: "Stringing up 1,800 Christmas lights is a bit different to our normal work, and it always marks the start of the build-up to Christmas here at Wakehurst.

"The tree is a local landmark which can be seen for miles when the lights are switched on and it is great to be part of this festive tradition."

The energy-saving lightbulbs will be tested on Wednesday and will be officially lit up on 28 November.