The death warrant has been signed for seven horse chestnut trees which have been a village feature for more than 100 years.

News that they will be chopped down has dismayed campaigners, whose own survey suggested the old trees had more life in them.

Councillors voted to fell them after a village referendum at Bishop Monkton, near Ripon, showed a clear majority in favour of the move.

North Yorkshire County Council's poll showed 206 electors in favour of felling with 91 against.

The results were put before the council's area committee in Harrogate, which backed a recommendation to fell by March 31.

The decision brings to an end a long-running saga over the future of the trees, which line the village stream.

An earlier threat prompted a protest petition signed by 115 people, including visitors.

County area highway chief Chris Craven said the trees were a health and safety concern.

Bill Hannay, whose home overlooks the trees and is one of the protestors, said: "No matter what the council say, those horse chestnuts are perfectly healthy. This is such an unnecessary thing to do."