School's 160-year-old tree is saved from the axe

The 50ft (15.24m) tree stands on the playing field at Thundersley Primary School

A 160-year-old tree facing the axe has been saved after a "huge outpouring of emotions" from a school community.

Concerns had been raised that the 50-foot (15.24m) oak tree's roots at Thundersley Primary School, Essex, were damaging a neighbouring property.

However, insurers have now agreed to fund the installation of a root barrier under the ground to keep the tree standing.

"We couldn't have wished for a better outcome," said school governor Simon English.

The tree, previously estimated to be 150 years old, has stood since before the school was founded in 1921.

Head teacher Emma Dawson previously said it would be "hypocritical" to remove it when pupils were "passionate" about the environment.

However, she was told it needed to be felled after cracks appeared in the conservatory of a house that bordered the school playing field.

Simon English said the tree became a "really integral part of the school"

"We all gathered round on site and we looked at this tree and the [insurers] said: 'We can't lose that tree'," said Mr English, the chairman of the board of governors.

"We had lots of people reaching out to us saying they remember their parents telling them about sitting under the tree."

The school received a number of offers of support after an appeal was made to help save the tree.

People subsequently responded by offering free advice and surveys at the site, Mr English told BBC Essex.

It was estimated any works would cost upwards of £45,000.

"[The tree] became a really integral part of the school and it has been for a very long period of time," Mr English added.