Famed oak destroyed

A MUCH-LOVED ancient oak tree thought to be about 500 years old has been destroyed in a fire.

Long known as the Whiteleaved Oak, the tree stood in a village of the same name.

Thought to have spiritual significance by druids and pagans, it had attracted visitors from around the world.

A Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said the blaze, in Worcestershire, may have been caused by a campfire.

He added that “great efforts” had gone into trying to save the tree.

Chief Druid King Arthur Pendragon said: “To see something like this happen to something so close to us spiritually, is very upsetting indeed.”

A TINY fox that broke a leg after getting trapped in a picnic table was rescued by firefighters in Long Whatton, Leics.