Cumbrians are being reassured that they won't go without a Christmas tree this year after it was announced there could be a lack of supply.

With the current shortage of HGV drivers, concerns have been raised that they will not be able to keep up with demand, and people have been urged to get their Christmas tree ordered or face the risk of being without a festive centrepiece.

But Craig Norman, who supplies trees from a site in Little Orton just outside Carlisle, said that because his trees were sourced locally, it should not have an impact.

"We will be in the same place as last year and be opening the first weekend in December," he said.

The concerns had been raised by Chris Bonnett, the founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk, who said he was expecting to see demand soar this year, but a shortage of lorry drivers and potential Covid restrictions could play havoc with Christmas preparations.

Lorry driver shortages in Denmark are expected to impact imports to the UK with any Covid-related restrictions further adding to the problems.

Mr Bonnett is also expecting a surge in demand after last year's muted celebrations as families and friends celebrate the festivities together.

Denmark is a major producer of live Christmas trees with around 90 per cent of its crop exported to other European nations.

Last year it faced problems after it halted exports in an attempt to control a coronavirus mutation found on mink farms.

Now, the shortage of drivers in Denmark could affect the distribution of Christmas trees across Europe.

With less than 100 days until Christmas, Mr Bonnett is already seeing a jump in the number of customers searching for Christmas trees on his site despite the Christmas range not yet fully live.

He’s urging customers to order early to ensure they’re able to secure a tree ahead of the big day.

“The last few years have played havoc with the Christmas tree market," he said. "Mild winters in Scandinavian countries have made it more complicated to fell trees. Add in the Covid restrictions in place last year and the current shortage of lorry drivers and you can see why we’re concerned that there could be a shortage of trees.

“A Christmas tree is an essential part of the festivities, not just on Christmas Day but in the run up – picking the tree, squeezing it into the car and decorating ahead of the celebrations.

“This year it’ll mean even more after the locked down restrictions of last year which is why we’re already seeing a surge in the number of customers searching for Christmas trees.

“Hopefully between now and December, things will improve.”

He added: “We are seeing issues with disruption across the retail sector, from food and drink to gifts and clothing.

“For Britons really wanting to go all out to celebrate this year, the best advice is to plan ahead and get all the essentials pre-ordered so you can enjoy the festivities without the stress.”