A TREE in south Cumbria has been shortlisted for the Woodland Trust's Tree of the Year contest.

Prior to this success, the tree came top of a poll to find Cumbria's top 50 trees.

Splintered in half by a lightning strike, the tree is a striking sight for walkers travelling along the western shore of Coniston.

The tree was nominated by Jeff Bond, in memory of his late wife, Sue. It was chosen for the inspiration it gave her in life after she sadly died in January.

Mr Bond is now continuing with his wife's nomination as a tribute to her life.

He said: "Sue would have been overjoyed that the tenacity of the tree has been recognised."

Woodland Trust chief executive, Beccy Speight, added: "It's a reminder of why we need to care for individual trees and that they still need true protection in law from development or mismanagement."

Charities such as the Woodland Trust are calling for the protection of ancient trees and woodland which remain in danger.

To vote your favourite tree in the Tree of the Year contest visit www.woodland
trust.org.uk/treeoftheyear before October 9.