Another of Swindon's beloved trees is heading for the axe this time because of the storms.

Earlier this week the Evening Advertiser reported that the old copper beech on the corner of Victoria Road and Bath Road is being felled on Sunday because fungi are destroying its roots.

And now the 100-year-old English oak tree in the centre of the Polo Ground, Marlborough Road, is facing the same fate.

Swindon Council's arboricultural officer George Reade explained: "I used to play in the tree when I was a child and I remember when I was about ten a huge piece of the tree dropped off.

"That was 30 years ago and it hasn't been the same since. There is decay all the way through from where branches have fallen off and fungus has got in through the wounds.

"And during the storm on Sunday, October 29, the top half of the tree fell over. I inspected it to see what could be done, but when the ground has dried up we will have to chop it down and start again.

"It is such a shame. I have tried everything in my power to save it but it is hopeless."

Evening Advertiser chief photographer Dave Evans was so impressed by the splendour of the tree he took a photo of the sun rising over it on the first day of the new millennium. He had no idea that the tree was in its centenary year or that this year would be its last.