A 680-year-old Ashby tree is in line for a national award - but no-one knows who nominated it.

The impressive Sweet Chestnut tree - with an 11 metre girth - is situated at Willesley Golf Club.

And it is one of 10 candidates for the Woodland Trust's Tree of the Year competition.

Incredibly, the tree has been estimated to date back to the early 1300s.

The Woodland Trust describes it as:"A gargantuan tree with a girth of more than 11 metres in a very different setting.

"The sheer size and wow factor makes it a standout entry."

But Peter Sergant, the golf club's general manager, says he has no idea who put the tree forward as a nomination - and they did not realise it was among the top 10 until they saw the final list of candidates.

Peter told Ashby Nub News: 'It's a bit of a mystery, but very exciting at the same time.

advertisement

"It's taken a long time for the tree to make headlines.

"I spoke to someone who was a volunteer from the Woodland trust who knew all about the tree.

"But I said: 'What tree?'

"I've only been here for about a year and he said he told me about it.

"But it was a surprise to see it mentioned in the list."

Peter did not give the exact location of the tree but confirmed it was not part of the 18-hole course at Willesley, although it is in the club's boundaries.

Peter added: "It's a real piece of history.

"There are various descriptions of it. But funnily enough, it goes largely un-noticed which is one of its saving graces.

advertisement

"It's bizarre how it came about, I didn't know about the competition.

"Hopefully, a lot of people will vote for it. We were blissfuly unaware, it's a nice thing to have at this time of year."

You can vote for the Willesley Golf Club tree - and see the other candidates HERE.