CHESHIRE Oaks says it has made the "difficult decision" not to put up its iconic 90ft Christmas tree this year.

The popular Ellesmere Port shopping destination confirmed the news to The Standard this afternoon.

It said the decision had been taken due to the impact of the national lockdown and the Government's revised regional system of restrictions, which placed Cheshire West and Chester in Tier 2.

In a statement, Cheshire Oaks said: "Due to the impact of the national lockdown and the latest tiered restrictions, we have taken the difficult decision not to install our iconic Christmas tree this year.

"However we will still be spreading our usual Yuletide magic at Cheshire Oaks with a selection of Covid-secure festive activities taking place in centre from our reopening, from our iconic Winter Village to the family favourite Breakfast with Santa event.

"We look forward to welcoming back our Christmas tree next year."