STOCKTON council chiefs have defended themselves against allegations of erecting Britain's worst Christmas tree.

The 15ft-tall white 'tree', was erected last week but has been dubbed a 'dunce's hat' on social networking site, Facebook.

Stockton Borough Council, which is currently revamping the High Street, says it does not have room for a proper tree this year but has promised to return to buying the usual 40ft Spruce next year.

One online comment said: “Looks like a bit of rolled up carpet.”

Another from Mark Wilson said: “'I don't understand why they spent thousands on fireworks and use an old dunce's hat for the Christmas tree.”

A Stockton Council spokesman said: 'We're in the middle of a multi-million pound redevelopment of the High Street.

"The central and northern sections are quite literally a building site, so there's no room for our normal 40ft high Spruce, which will be back next year.

"In the interim we've used the 20ft cone with illuminated snowflake designs, rather than leave this part of the High Street bare.

"We're pleased to report that the extensive works have not put visitors off as thousands of spectators attended last week’s launch of the Stockton Sparkles festival, which was led by 1,500 carol-singing children.

"We would ask that our public bear with us this year and look forward to a traditional Christmas tree returning to a new-look Stockton High Street next year – we're sure it will be worth the wait.”