A FAMILY of Christmas enthusiasts have expressed their disappointment after a large tree which plays a prominent role in Budleigh Salterton’s festive scene has died.

For more than 20 years, Colin and Rosemary Pratt, have decorated a large tree outside their home in Moor Lane with eye-catching lights.

But, unlike the turkey, crackers and mince pies, the towering garden feature won’t be around to admire during Christmas 2011.

Because the tree died, it has been cut down.

Rosemary, 64, said: “We are extremely disappointed that it won’t be around to dress up again in lights.

“Lots of local people have commented on how much they like it and look forward to it being decorated for Christmas.

“It has become so popular that people ask us what’s going on if it isn’t decorated in time – as we normally have it all completed for the start of Budleigh’s late night shopping.”

Rosemary added: “My husband made the large star that was placed on the top because he used to be a metal worker. He would clamber up with the aid of my son.

“It started off with various coloured lights but in the last three years it was done all out in white. From the point we moved in here, the tree grew every year.

“It has been quite a feature in the Budleigh lights scene.”