An East Cambridgeshire village Christmas tree display has been saved after a planning row threatened the annual tradition.

Little Downham Parish Council had said it was "unable to allow advertising" on the Village Green following several complaints to East Cambridgeshire District Council, which included the tree. 

A statement on its Facebook page said: "Unfortunately due to one person making several complaints to ECDC, the Parish Council are unable to allow advertising on the Village Green until appropriate planning has been achieved.

"This includes the village Christmas Tree.

"The clerk will work hard to get the correct planning and will update the village once this is received."

Richard Taylor from Little Downham Christmas Trees at Highcroft Farm described the situation as "disappointing" and said he hoped the dispute could be "resolved". 

Mr Taylor, who has supplied the tree to the parish council for the last six years, told the Ely Standard: "Everyone comes together to put the tree up, they put the decorations on themselves - no one is paid for it. 

"It brings in a lot of Christmas cheer and spirit for the village. Everyone loves it and residents come out in rain or shine, so it would be really disappointment if we can't have the tree up this year."

The parish council has now confirmed that the village's Christmas tree display can go ahead after discussions with Cambridgeshire County Council.

In a statement it said: "After conversations with County Council and District Council today regarding the Christmas Tree, I can now confirm Little Downham will be having a village Christmas Tree in the same location as previous years.

"The Parish Council will be applying for an advertisement licence for future advertising on the Village Green."