The group is hoping to raise in the region of £1,400 by the beginning of next month.

With just a few months until Christmas, Honiton and District Chamber of Commerce is racing against the clock to raise enough cash to buy a festive tree.

The group is hoping to raise in the region of £1,400 by the beginning of next month. If successful, they can place an order with a company which would erect a giant tree outside St Paul’s Church, complete with decorations.

It would also be taken back down after Christmas by the same company.

Colin Wright, chamber chairman, said: “We are looking for four businesses to help us with buying the tree. If we got four single payments of £250, or even ten people paying £100, it would be great as we could get the order in.”

Mr Wright said there is a backup plan in place should the money not be raised.

There is an offer of a free tree on the table, but he has concerns about putting it up and taking it down - and the cost of buying decorations for it.

“One way or another, we have got to have a Christmas tree in Honiton,” he said. “Everyone I have spoken to says we have got to have a tree in Honiton.

“It’s outside St Paul’s Church, in the high street and the centre of town.

“People also congregate around it at New Year’s Eve and see the new year in.

“Honiton without a tree at Christmas would be dead. The tree is an important part of the Christmas festivities - last year Jo Pavey switched the lights on with more than 200 people in attendance, so you can see how important it is.

“We also hope the tree can tie in with this year’s children’s carol service.”

Anyone interested in donating can email colin.wright01@btinternet.com