AN arboretum has created a quiet area for people who want to escape the general and local election campaigns.

Thorp Perrow Arboretum, near Bedale, North Yorkshire, is designating its most remote location, the Woodland Garden, as a political-free zone until May 5.

Signs will stress the need for silence, with conversation, radios and newspapers banned. The garden is free from plants and shrubs with political overtones such as bluebells, red cherry blossoms, or yellow laburnum.

For those really fed up with the political campaigns, there is the option of bringing election leaflets to burn on a bonfire and advice on distinguishing different types of birdsong to listen to instead of election speeches. All visitors on May 5 will be allowed in on a two-for-one basis.

Arboretum owner Sir John Ropner said: "Political debate can become overbearing in the run-up to a General Election, and five miles of forest walks together with tree-therapy can be a good antidote.

"I shall also plant 100 trees in the autumn to compensate for some of the paper that has been pushed through British letterboxes."