It has been described as a "giant weed on a stick" and villagers say that it just isn’t good enough.

The Christmas tree in Dymchurch is next to the public toilets and has been stuck on top of a sawn-off stump, which bears the scars of where branches have previously been lopped off.

A forlorn sight in the centre of the village, the 3ft fir is held aloft by iron brackets with a few dismal lights scattered across it.

Dymchurch resident Richard Crispin, 60, said: “Our Christmas tree is bolted on top of a stump and it is probably Britain’s worst Christmas tree. It’s appalling and we deserve so much better."

His comments were echoed by fellow resident Eve Bird, 70, who said: “Surely Dymchurch can do better than this. Our Christmas tree is like a great big weed growing out of the top of a stick.

“I went to the doctors’ surgery this morning and people in there were joking about the tree. I don’t know what drivers think when they come through the village - it is turning us into a laughing stock.”