An ancient willow, one of Peterborough's oldest and most loved trees which forms the centrepiece in Central Park, was cordoned off yesterday over fears that a number of branches may fall.

The willow was one of a number of trees across the city that were uprooted or damaged by the strong and blustery weather, which also tore tiles from roofs and pulled down fences.

A number of riverside trees are down in the city centre and the huge willow in Central Park has suffered broken limbs.

Thought you might like to see these photos I took this morning of what the high winds have done to our tree at Dogsthorpe Junior School

Sheila Chapman at Dogsthorpe Junior School took this photo this morning of a tree in the school grounds.

And Duncan Malcomson sent a photo of the aftermath of a very blustery day in Market Deeping.

If you have photos of damage caused by the weather email eteditor@ peterboroughtoday.co.uk
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Central Park ranger Mark Swift said the willow, which was saved after a public campaign about 10 years ago, will have to be pruned back, making a dramatic impact on its appearance.

Mr Swift said: "One of the large branches on the top of the tree snapped because of the high winds and we had to cordon the area off in case it collapsed and fell on someone.

"We are now going to have to call in a tree surgeon. We estimate up to 15 per cent of the willow will go, which will make a drastic difference.

"It is such a shame because it is a focal point in the park."

Riverside trees along the River Nene are also down this morning, and a large oak tree in the grounds at Dogsthorpe Junior School was severely damaged.

Staff at the school in Central Avenue believe the tree will have to be pulled down after one of its large branches was ripped down by the wind, crashing on to the school's kitchen roof.

Office manager at the school Sheila Chapman said: "A tree specialist will be coming out to see the tree today, but it is likely it will have to go now.

"At the moment, it is too dangerous for us to allow any children or staff near it, for fears the whole thing will come down.

"We don't know the extent of damage to the kitchen roof yet, but hope that it is just the guttering that has been affected."

Cambridgeshire Fire Service said no major incidents had been reported.

The strongest recorded gust was 63mph at Blackpool at noon.