Hundreds turn out to save 26 trees from axe

Pru Porretta, Coventry's official Lady Godiva, joined campaigners at the site

More than 900 people formed a chain in a bid to save 26 trees from being cut down to make way for a cycleway in Coventry.

Campaigners were hoping to break a UK record for the largest group tree hug set in Cheshire. They needed 703 people but 925 joined the chain.

Organisers told BBC CWR they were "absolutely stunned" by the turnout and had wanted to create a visible demonstration of how they felt about the "beautiful" trees.

The trees on Clifford Bridge Road will be removed to make way for a cycleway. The city council said they would be replaced by 32 saplings which would provide "greater long-term benefits".

Organisers said they were stunned and delighted at the number of people who had turned up to join the chain

However, residents want the plans to be redesigned or a "less destructive" route found.

More than 4,200 people have signed a council e-petition calling for it to save the trees which they say provide habitats for wildlife.

Dawn McCann, who helped organise the tree hug, said the numbers who attended broke a UK record listed in the Alternative Book of Records. Those who attended had been given tickets to verify the numbers, she said.

Pru Porretta, who has acted as the city's official Lady Godiva for more than 40 years was there as an adjudicator of the record with Hits Radio presenter John Dalziel.

"Lady Godiva from 1,000 years ago walked in the Forest of Arden and all of Coventry would have been covered in these beautiful trees," she told BBC Radio CWR.

"How gorgeous to see trees still here as I walk."

Among protesters, was also 11-year-old Reuben, who wrote to Sir David Attenborough and the King about his concerns over the trees.

Martina Irwin, who helped organise the protest, said the council was "not listening to us".

Coventry City Council said: "The trees advertised for removal on Clifford Bridge Road are primarily in average condition with limited usable lifespan, and some are Ash trees affected by Ash dieback.

"Trees are an important part of moving towards net zero [carbon], and we will plant more trees than we remove."