AN ancient oak tree is to be chopped down after being struck by a large vehicle.

The tree, at the corner of Victoria Avenue and Queen Parade, Harrogate, is thought to once have been part of the great Royal Forest of Knaresborough.

The local council's arboricultural manager, John Watson, said: "Sadly, this old tree was already coming to the end of its natural life."

He said that the collision had knocked off a large branch and had done so much damage that the tree would have to be removed.

"We were already keeping our eye on it because the main trunk was showing signs of deterioration," said Mr Watson.