We wish you an arty Christmas

The Yuletide season just does not seem the same without the annual alternative Christmas tree from London firm Collyer-Bristow.

Maria Mania, an artist from the St Martin-in-the-Fields art group, has created a tree from, apparently, recycled gas pipes with the added feature of being an 'interactive game' (the picture focuses on one branch).

Clients are invited to give their names and addresses so that they can win one of the 99 miniature hand-painted objects on the tree.

Senior partner Roger Woolfe said: 'Maria is the Faberge of the 21st century.

We have invited Madonna and the judges of the Turner Prize to reconsider their award.' Last year, Mr Woolfe was rubbing his hands at the thought that his tree collection would be worth a seven-figure sum.

Just view this as an investment for his retirement.