A tree in Dorset is in the running to be crowned the Woodland Trust's Tree of the Year.

The London plane tree in the grounds of Bryanston School at Blandford has made a shortlist of ten trees across England all vying to be awarded the title of the best tree in the country.

At nearly 50m tall, this tree is not only the tallest London plane in the country, but also the tallest broadleaf tree in the UK and one of the tallest in Europe.

To put its height into context, it is just shorter than Nelson’s Column, measured from the bottom of the pedestal to the top of Nelson’s hat. The tree’s height was confirmed back in 2015, when pupils from the school scaled the tree (with the help of professional climbing equipment) to measure it.

The Woodland Trust’s annual competition is designed to highlight and celebrate the best trees in the country. Once again it’s being supported by the award winning horticulturalist and TV personality David Domoney.

He said: “The Woodland Trust’s Tree of the Year celebrates the marvel and beauty of trees in our country. They are such an important part of our cities and countryside, not only for their beauty, but also for the health benefits they offer to all living creatures.

"Choosing the one tree that stands out from the rest is a hard decision, take a look for yourself. Vote for your favourite on the Woodland Trust’s website to crown England’s Tree of the Year for 2019.”

Adam Cormack, head of campaigning at the Woodland Trust said: “We really hope the people of Dorset will show their support for this tree which is anything but plain. The Tree of the Year competition is all about highlighting and celebrating the nation’s most remarkable and special trees and this one is certainly that.

“Trees across the country are constantly under threat of felling due to inappropriate developments. The Tree of the Year competition is all about helping to raise the profile of trees in order to offer them better protection.

Take a closer look at the shortlist and vote for your favourite tree at woodlandtrust.org.uk/treeoftheyear. Voting closes at noon on September 27.

By voting you will also be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 Sainsbury's voucher.

The Tree of the Year competition is run in support of the Charter for Trees, Woods and People. Find out more and voice your support at treecharter.uk.