A FAMILY farm which has been operating for more than seven decades is offering a festive touch this year by selling Christmas trees.

Durham Christmas Trees, based near to junction 61 of the A1(M), started out as a diversification project for the Kemp family, who have been farming for over seventy years in the region and currently keep cattle, sheep and produce wheat, barley, maize and oilseed rape.

In April 2013, they planted five thousand tiny saplings, both Norway Spruce, being the traditional Christmas tree, and Nordmann Fir, for their needle holding quality.

Having first started selling last year customers can now return to the farm from the end of this month to buy their Christmas tree for this festive season.

Visitors can walk around the Christmas tree plantation with a hot chocolate, and children can enjoy the Christmas themed trail amongst the trees, with dogs on a lead welcome to join the experience. Good footwear is encouraged.

Diane Kemp from the farm said: “We have carefully nurtured and shaped the Christmas trees over the years and are proud to be producing sustainably grown trees in a setting where everyone can enjoy a festive experience.

“As a customer you can have confidence in knowing the trees are cared for throughout the year and are freshly cut to order, thus ensuring your tree is of the highest quality.

“Alongside their pick your own plantation, Durham Christmas Trees also sell freshly cut Nordmann Fir trees 3-11ft from a local supplier, pot grown trees and Christmas tree stands.”

The Norway Spruce start from £25 and the Nordmann Fir £30.

Durham Christmas Trees operates an online booking system through their website, with limited numbers allowed into the plantation. A slot can be booked for £5 at www.durhamchristmastrees.co.uk. A £5 voucher is then issued and is redeemable off any Christmas tree purchase.

The farm will be open for tree sales between 10.30am and 3.30pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Friday, November 26.