A HUDDERSFIELD firm won't be able to re-enact the 12 days of Christmas just now - its entire stock of pear trees has been sold.
Fenay Bridge horticultural stockist S Lockwood and Son has sold all the trees to one customer - an international golf tournament.
Owner Chris Dalton said: "Out of the blue we were contacted by the organisers of the International Pairs golf tournament.
"They will be visiting many golf clubs across Yorkshire and Lancashire in January and giving a pear tree to each in an unusual marketing venture. That's a lot of clubs - and a lot of pear trees.
"It has wiped out our stock. But we will be receiving some more before Christmas - so partridges won't feel completely left out when the five gold rings and four calling birds come round."
The International Pairs event is the largest golf tournament of its kind in the world, with tens of thousands of golfers taking part each year in the UK alone.
Pete Richardson, who runs the company marketing and promoting the event, is a Yorkshireman, although his company is based in Hampshire.
He said: "It's a symbolic gesture; pears from the Pairs. We like to be innovative when marketing the event and this seemed an ideal opportunity to visit golf courses and talk about the event, while making a gesture and improving the environment.
"We decided to start in Yorkshire and Lancashire because there are so many golf courses in this region."
The International Pairs is based round a simple concept.
A club hosts an International Pairs event, which costs just £10 per pair to enter.
The semi-final is held on a championship course in Scotland, with overnight accommodation and a welcome reception for the players thrown in.
Those who make the final stay on in Scotland at the St Andrews Bay resort for two rounds of televised championship golf, with two nights in a hotel and a gala dinner included.
* Clubs interested in learning more about the International Pairs - or in receiving a pear tree - should phone Mr Richardson on 08700 330 550.
