1.
SV: Norwegians, in national costumes, at Trafalgar Square, before lights are switched on.
0.03

2.
SV: Crowd watched by police. (TWO SHOTS)
0.08

3.
SV: Lord Mayor of Oslo, Albert Nordengen, speaks and switches on the lights PAN UP TO tree.
0.43

4.
GV: Girls choir from Norwegian YMCA singing. (THREE SHOTS)
1.17

5.
CU: Boy looks up tree.
1.20

6.
GV: Lit tree. (TWO SHOTS)
1.41


NORDENGEN: "It is a great pleasure and honour for me to convey to you from the people of Oslo our best wishes and a very happy Christmas to you all."




Initials JS/2230



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: The traditional lighting up of a giant Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square in London took place on Thursday (8 December). For most people in Britain, it marks the start of the Christmas season.

SYNOPSIS: The tree is a gift from the people of Oslo in Norway. Their mayor, Albert Nordengen, performed the lighting-up ceremony.

The people of Oslo have given a tree to London every year since 1947 as an expression of gratitude for Britain's help to Norway during the Second World War. This year's tree is 75 feet high, and is decorated with 650 lights.