A LEANING tree deemed a flood risk has been removed from the banks of the River Wear.

The tree at Shincliffe Bridge, near Durham was felled into the river by contractors before being winched downstream and cut up by workers from the Environment Agency.

The Agency said if the tree had fallen into the river it could have partially blocked the bridge, creating a flood risk.

It was spotted during routine checks and removed along with two other trees already in the water.

The Agency workers donned waders and took to the water to chop up the potential blockages with a chainsaw.

They also carried out willow spiling to help prevent further erosion of the river bank – weaving live willow rods between willow stakes set into the bank.

Within a few months, these will develop roots and strengthen the bank.