Too hot for Agatha oak

A HISTORIC tree which Agatha Christie loved to sit under has collapsed in the heatwave.

The oak at Barton Cricket Club in Torquay, Devon, is named after the crime novelist who enjoyed watching matches from beneath it.

On Tuesday half of the tree collapsed overnight and the remaining part was condemned with disease. It is being removed for public safety.

Torquay Council said it has worked with the cricket club to try to preserve the tree, which is now roped off in the club car park. A replacement tree is expected to be planted.