A brewery in Ipswich has lain claims to owning the town’s biggest natural Christmas tree in a bid to spread festive cheer among its customers and passersby.

Management at the Briarbank Brewery on Fore Street say they have received widespread praise for the 18ft tall Norwegian spruce, with many customers pleased to see a traditional tree on display.

“It was a lovely area for it and we thought it would be a good way to spread some festive cheer,” said bar manager John Jackaman.

“It brightens up the place and people really seem to love it.”

Mr Jackaman hopes to better this year’s tree, which was bought from Bourne Bridge Garden Centre on Wherstead Road, with an even bigger one next Christmas.

“I think we could go as big as 25ft,” he said.

In keeping with the Christmas festivities, Briarbank has also brewed its own speciality yuletide ale called Insanity Clause – taking inspiration from a comedy skit by the Marx brothers.

Ipswich Borough Council’s contemporary tree is taller, but artificial, leaving Briarbank’s claim intact.