A CHRISTMAS tree enterprise in York really is a family affair.

York Christmas Trees, run by husband-and-wife team Oliver and Kirstie Combe, has no fewer than 12 family members across three generations helping with the festive business. Joe, aged six, is the youngest family member. He helps his siblings and cousins put the trees in nets and carry them to the customers’ vehicles, carefully watched by his grandmother Jilly, who uses her artistic skills to help make Christmas wreaths.

Oliver spent 20 years working in the forestry industry and uses his expertise when planting, cultivating and nurturing the Christmas trees at the family home at Wigginton Lodge, York.

Kirstie, a former wedding-dress designer and maker, is the mastermind behind the Christmas Barn, an Aladdin’s cave of Christmas decorations, handmade wreaths and other Christmas gifts for sale.

Kirstie said: “We are very lucky to have our family around, each and every one bring with them a different skill, from wreath-making to cutting and carrying the trees each day.

“It really makes it a very special time of year for us — we call it our extended family Christmas.”

This year, York Christmas Trees is offering Nordman fir, Fraser fir, Norway and Blue spruce, all produced in the fields surrounding the farm and freshly cut to meet customer demand. Trees can range in height from two feet to more than 16 feet.

Oliver said: “We cut our trees on the day to ensure the freshest possible product for our customers and we are also very happy to offer our advice on how to look after the tree after it leaves us.

“More than 500 trees are displayed in a well-lit, dry barn.”