A WILLINGTON couple had a lucky escape when a 70ft tree crashed down in their garden.

Sheila and Les Craggs returned home last Wednesday to find the giant beech uprooted across their land.

Although it brought down some fencing, it missed their bungalow and their neighbours' homes in Church View, Low Willington.

Now other similar trees are being checked for disease in case they pose a danger to properties.

Mr Craggs said: "It is incredible that nobody was hurt. If the tree had fallen the other way it would have come crashing down on top of us.

"We are very fortunate. The bungalow could have been flattened and us with it. As it is there is a big hole in the ground and some fencing down." The couple have called in a tree expert from Durham County Council.

Mr Craggs said: "There are other trees that are the same height and age and we think they may be reaching the end of their natural life.

"This one was not a healthy tree. It was the subject of a conservation order so we could not cut it down without agreeing to replace it."