A MUCH-LOVED tree in Mistley has narrowly missed out on being named as the best in the country.

Old Knobbley is a veteran oak that lives on Furze Hill Playing Fields, in Mistley, and is more than 800 years old.

It was named as a finalist in the Woodland Trust’s Tree of the Year competition to find Britain’s best tree.

Old Knobbley, which was nominated by Susan Anderson, John Bradley and Gerry Donlon, was named as the fourth best tree in England.

The winner was the photogenic Sycamore Gap Tree at Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland.

As a runner up in the prestigious contest, Old Knobbley will receive a £500 grant for health checks or advice from an arboriculturalist, or to provide interpretation or educational materials.

The cash prize could even be used to hold a celebratory event in honour of the tree.