The 400 or so Christmas tree growers in the UK are providing a natural environment for wildlife up and down the country

Kenny Hendry

Mr Hendry, who co-owns Glasgow based Eden Christmas Trees, put across his message at Glasgow Science Centre.

The 45-year-old said that the tree being sent to Prime Minister Tony Blair had been growing for almost 23 years.

"It's a great honour to supply the country's most powerful man and it's extra special for me because this is the first time a tree from Scotland will have pride of place outside Number 10," he said at Monday's campaign launch.

Sales of real Christmas trees have enjoyed a steady increase in the UK, with more than 6.5 million being sold each year.

Mr Hendry said: "Real trees are a sustainable resource and are so much more effective than artificial ones.

Charlie Dimmock is backing the campaign

"But equally important is the fact they symbolise a traditional Christmas and help get families into the spirit of the festive season.

"It's also worth remembering that the 400 or so Christmas tree growers in the UK are providing a natural environment for wildlife up and down the country."

The campaign has won the backing of celebrity gardener Charlie Dimmock, of the BBC's Groundforce programme.

"Real trees add a very atmospheric scent to the house that instantly means Christmas to me," she said.

The campaign will be headed by mascot Bruce the Spruce.

There will also be launch ceremonies in London, Sheffield, Manchester and Leeds later this week.