A church in Bovingdon is looking to raise money to clear a 300-year-old oak tree that fell in the churchyard during the St Jude storm.

The tree came down in St Lawrence Churchyard and hit the historic Lych Gate during the storm at the end of October.

The church is launching an appeal for villagers to help raise money for the clear up of the fallen tree.

Repairs are set to start shortly but the tree surgery bill to make the area safe is set to be around £1,500. The appeal aims to raise funds to cover the cost of the tree surgery and the church also hopes to repair the gate and a number of graves and headstones that were damaged in the storm.

Reverend Charles Burch, vicar of St Lawrence Church, said: "Faced with the unexpected cost of clearing up after the storm we asked parishioners and local residents to help out. We have had a generous response but the appeal is still open should anyone wish to contribute."