A LARGE damaged tree in a West Devon cemetery is facing the axe due to safety reasons.

The decision has been made by Tavistock Town Council's works department to take the large Eucalyptus tree in Dolvin Road down, as it has been left very vulnerable after two harsh winters.

Town council works administrator James Clapp said: 'The larger of the two Eucalyptus trees has suffered severe damage from frost over the last two years.

'We've decided it needs to come down sooner rather than later, especially because of its location — close to St Rumon's School — it could be very dangerous if it fell.'

The tree is only 30 years old, which is relatively young for a Eucalyptus tree but James said it had grown fairly large for its age.

'It's only 30 years old but it's massive. This particular species is not very hardy though, which is why it has suffered in the weather.'