TREE surgeons began the mournful task of chopping down one of Colwall's most famous trees yesterday.

The mature horse chestnut will be the first of several trees in the area to be replaced with young imitations by Adrian Hope Tree Services, after being declared unsafe in a survey for Malvern Hills Conservators.

Parish council chairman Nicky Carless said: "Apparently it was planted to commemorate Queen Victoria's jubilee so we don't want to disregard it and hope to keep a slice to mount in a suitable location."

David Whitehorne, the Conservators conservation officer, said: "The contractors will be doing several weeks worth of work on 100 or so trees in these areas."

He said residents had been warned of the work, which he stressed was necessary. Other trees in line for removal are a lime tree by the Wyche School, Wells Road, and a horse chestnut on Wells Road by Rosebank Gardens."