A Suffolk estate is opening up its Christmas tree plantation over two weekends so that customers can choose their festive centrepiece straight from the field.

Rougham Estate, near Bury St Edmunds, is opening up over the weekends of November 11 and 12 and November 18 and 19 from 10am to 4pm for the festive sale.

But customers must book in advance as spaces are limited. Once trees are allocated, they are marked with a label and will be cut before collection to ensure they remain fresh.

Rougham hosts an annual Christmas decorations shop at Blackthorpe Barn and recently opened Roots Café.

Over the years, the estate has supplied festive trees not only to Bury St Edmunds town centre but also Downing Street.

Estate manager Simon Eddell said it was an "amazing atmosphere" when customers arrive. "It’s always a busy time and it is filled with excitement with a touch of Christmas spirit, I can’t wait,” he said.

The trees are planted sustainably with each tree harvested replaced with a new one.

Simon said as a member of the British Christmas Tree Growers Association the estate adhere to strict codes of practice to ensure the trees are grown to meet its strict environmental and sustainable guidelines.

“I love this time of year when we see the results of our years of careful cultivation come to fruition when our trees are chosen to be the beautiful festive showpieces in our visitors’ homes," he said.

"I, and the Rougham Estate team, take great pride year-on-year in nurturing our trees to be the best they can."

The estate charges £10 to reserve a tree in addition to the cost of the tree. The trees are predominantly Nordman Firs as they have softer needles and have better retention.

Alternatively, pre-cut trees will be available from November 24.