A COUPLE had a lucky escape when a 70ft tree crashed down into their garden.

Sheila and Les Craggs, of Low Willington, arrived home on Wednesday to find the beech had uprooted across their land.

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

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.

"It is a massive tree and will be a major task to cut it up and get it out."

The couple have called in a tree expert from Durham County Council and are waiting for a loss adjuster from their insurance company to assess the damage.

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