A VETERAN oak tree is in the running to be named Wales Tree of the Year.

The veteran oak tree, which is in the wood pasture at Cwm yr Esgob near Rhayader, has been named on the shortlist of six in the Woodland Trust Coed Cadw’s competition with members of the public having the chance to vote for their favourite.

The winning tree will go on to compete in European Tree of the Year competition in early 2017 and will win a care grant of £1,000 which could be used for a tree health check or an event to celebrate the tree.

Beccy Speight, the Woodland Trust chief executive, said: “These trees have stood for hundreds, if not thousands of years and each will have a special place in peoples’ lives.

“By celebrating them and reminding people of their value we hope to support and influence those who can ensure they continue to thrive for future generations.”

The Rhayader tree is estimated to be at least 500 years old and houses some very rare species of lichens.

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