Grand-Place Christmas tree makes journey to Brussels

The Christmas tree that will occupy Brussels' Grand-Place has been chopped down in Wallonia and is travelling overnight to the city under police escort.

The 22-metre-high, 60-year-old, four-tonne Nordmann conifer was felled on Wednesday lunchtime on a private property in Stavelot.

It will be erected on the Grand-Place on Thursday morning and should be ready to admire by 8.00.

This year's Christmas tree will be decorated with the colours of the Belgian flag and with the image of Manneken Pis, who this year is celebrating his 400th anniversary.

The tree was chopped down in about an hour by Stavelot local councillor Raymond Kockelmann - who just happens to be the 20-time Belgian logging champion.

"The tree and I have been living together for many years," said owner Bérangère Delatte. "It was a friend of mine. After a long reflection, I agreed to let it go."