London grapefruit tree given protected status

The grapefruit tree is on Queenstown Road in Battersea

A grapefruit tree thought to be the only one of its kind in the UK growing outside of Kew Gardens has been granted additional protection.

A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) has been issued to the tropical landmark on Queenstown Road in Battersea following a campaign by locals.

It was brought from Grenada to south-west London as a sapling in the 1980s by one of the street's residents, Marline Anderson, who died in June.

Kemi Akinola, deputy leader of Wandsworth Council, said: "We were very pleased to grant the TPO and ensure that this beloved local landmark stands for generations to come."

Marline Anderson brought the tree to the UK as a sapling

Ms Akinola added: "Marline was much-loved by her neighbours and we're proud to have listened to the wishes of the community.

"In our year as London borough of culture, it's great to recognise the contribution that people of African and Caribbean heritage have made to Wandsworth."

Residents had previously told the BBC of their fears it could be chopped down, describing it as "a brilliant landmark".

A memorial plaque remembers Marline

A memorial plaque has been put in place to remember Ms Anderson and to explain the tree's history to anyone walking by.

"Her last wish was for me to do a plaque on the tree to say where it's from, and why she planted it," said Ms Anderson's friend and neighbour Vasilisa Ermakova.

There is a message on it from Ms Anderson, which reads: "Kindly refrain from picking from the tree. You are welcome to gather what nature has let fall."