A DORSET tree has been shortlisted for a national competition and residents of the county are being encouraged to vote.

The Woodland Trust’s annual Tree of the Year competition, now in its seventh year, shines a light on the nation's best trees to ensure their protection whilst encouraging public interest.

This competition takes place across the UK but only ten trees out of hundreds have been whittled down by the public for the final.

The Remedy Oak in Dorset, a tree renowned for its healing powers, is one of the ten finalists.

From a distance, it’s difficult to appreciate the grandeur of the Remedy Oak, as it is covered in ivy and moss that helps it blend into the surrounding hedges.

The entirely hollow tree gets its name from a legend that King Edward VI had touched the tree, and in doing so, conveyed healing powers upon it.

Chief executive of the Woodland Trust, Darren Moorcroft said: "Easily overlooked and routinely undervalued, trees deserve their moment in the sun. This competition is a very simple way to demonstrate our appreciation of trees. At a time when we’re fighting both a climate and nature crisis, it is undeniable that trees are needed now more than ever. They are nature’s most powerful weapon in this fight.

"This competition is a very simple way to show that people do care about trees, so please visit our website and vote for your favourite."

Take a closer look at the shortlist and vote for your favourite tree at: www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/treeoftheyear

Voting closes at noon on September 24.