A council has pledged to deliver a “giant” Christmas tree to a town this year thanks to a charity donation.

Epping Town Council has received a £500 grant from Epping Rotary Club to contribute towards the cost of a town centre tree for the festive period.

It is planned that the new tree will be placed on the town’s piazza, close to the water fountain.

Throughout September and October shoppers at the Tesco stores in Epping Forest will also have the chance to generate funding towards the cost of the town’s Christmas lights for 2017.

Epping Town Council has bid for cash from the Tesco Bags of Help scheme and shoppers at the supermarket’s Epping, Ongar and Theydon Bois stores will be able to vote for the lights to receive funding.

Grants of £4,000, £2,000 and £1,000 are available as part of the scheme, which donates cash to good causes raised by the 5p plastic carrier bag levy.

Town clerk Beverley Rumsey said: "Epping Town Council supplies the High Street shop Christmas trees and Christmas lights for Epping. This year we are adding another tree to the list to add that extra sparkle to our lovely town.

"The town council is delighted Tesco thinks our project is worthy of funding and we will be very grateful for any tokens that are put in our slot."

Customers can cast their vote using a token given to them at the check-out in store each time they shop.