A large 300-year-old oak tree has been spotted being demolished as traffic is moved away from the site at St Paul’s Church in Wokingham.

The works began on Wednesday, December 27 after the council deemed it unsafe in an inspection.

A large crane was seen as engineers worked to deconstruct the ancient structure that has stood in the churchyard for centuries.

Traffic was seen being turned away at the church where the road was blocked off.

A sign confirmed that the road will be closed until 5 pm on Thursday, December 23.

Wokingham Borough Council said: "The large oak tree in the grounds of St Paul's Church is sadly to be cut down following an inspection after a large branch fell at the end of August.

"The inspection found the tree to be unsafe and it will now be cut down leaving a small stump that can act as a habitat for insects and wildlife."