Oak tree among oldest in the UK

A Shropshire tree that is almost 700 years old has been named one of the oldest trees in Britain.

The age of the oak tree in Frodesley, seven miles south of Shrewsbury, was discovered when an investigation was commissioned by the national Tree Warden Scheme, which helps local people to play an active role in conserving and enhancing trees and woodlands in their area.

Ron Repath, 62, has been the warden for Frodesley for five years and has been involved in the recording, preserving and photography of "veteran" trees.

The oak tree in Frodesley is more than qualified for the title of veteran as it is between 600 and 700 years old. It is completely hollow, but very healthy.

"The older people in the town will say it was used for hangings, but we're not sure about that," Mr Repath said. "But it has certainly been here for a long time and seen a lot of people pass through the village."