Storm Gerrit: Sadness as Lonely Tree blown over during storm

A much-loved tree climbed by generations of children has come down in Storm Gerrit.

Nicknamed the Lonely Tree, locals said the beech on Rodborough Common in Gloucestershire was a popular photo spot.

Walker Freddy Gardener said the weather was "pretty wild" on Wednesday.

"It's a shame to see it go. It's been leaning for a long time," he said.

Mr Gardener added he was surprised the tree had not come down before.

And other locals have expressed their sadness at the loss of the tree.

Jules Jackson, from Stroud, said his five-year-old daughter had called it the "magic tree".

"It's a family favourite. I guess it was inevitable.

"As far as we are concerned the magic is still here. It's going back into the ground," he added.

And walker John Cook, who used to climb the tree as a boy, said people were finding the loss "hard to bear".

"We remember the tree very fondly, it's very sad. There used to be a hole underneath it you could crawl in.

"I think they should re-grow it. If they can get a seed to grow from that, it would be wonderful," he added.

Elsewhere in the UK, Storm Gerrit has brought flooding and disrupted travel, with Scotland worst affected.

Roofs were also torn off houses and walls collapsed as a small "tornado" tore through Greater Manchester.

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