NO hue and cry accompanied the announcement that the days are numbered for Thornton-in-Craven's landmark Love Tree.

Just a handful of villagers attended a public meeting where the fate of the historic village feature, thought to be at least 200 years old, was officially revealed.

Parish councillors had already decided the lime tree would have to go after two separate professional surveys concluded that it posed a significant risk, with its trunk essentially hollow and large areas of deadwood within its crown.

Standing at the heart of the village and next to the busy A56 road, it was a risk the parish council could not afford to take.

Both surveys made the same recommendation - to fell the tree and replant on the site with a healthy and semi-mature lime.

Tenders for the job are already being sought, but it is not clear yet just how long the tree has left.

The parish council does intend to replace it with another lime, and is also looking to compile a potted history of the Love Tree, including villagers' stories and recollections and local folklore surrounding it.