HIGH winds have caused the St Helens town centre Christmas tree to snap at the base and topple over.

A St Helens Council spokesperson said: “Due to the high winds we had cordoned off the area around the tree before it was blown down. No one was injured.

Other public Christmas trees have also been checked and are being monitored as are Christmas lights as the high winds continue.”

It is understood the tree, which snapped at the base, will be reinstalled tomorrow.