Students at THU, an applied science academy in The Hague, have purchased a tall Christmas tree to adorn the central entrance hall of the building. They were outraged about a decision by the academy's management not to have the traditional decorated tree this year. The directors said a Christmas tree no longer corresponds with "the international character and diversity" of the school.

Politicians also reacted furiously to the decision. Freedom Party leader Geert Wilders called it "an insane decision that shows the depth of the multicultural disaster which has gripped the Netherlands". The Hague is one of only two cities where Mr Wilders' party will be taking part in local elections next year.

The Christmas tree is an old pagan symbol used in midwinter celebrations which is thought to have been part of European culture since pre-historic times. Despite opposition by Christian churches, the tree, usually a fir, was widely adopted as an integral element of Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. In the 18th century German settlers introduced the practice of setting up a decorated Christmas tree to the United States. The custom has since spread around the globe.

Christmas tree (Photo: FlickR/Libär)