AN ancient oak tree in Mistley is again in the running to be named as England’s top tree.

Old Knobbley, on Furze Hill, has been nominated for the Woodlands Trust England Tree of the Year Competition.

Two years ago the tree was beaten to the top spot by Major Oak in Sherwood Forest by just 465 votes. Old Knobbley picked up 1,853 votes from the public.

This year Old Knobbley is again up against Major Oak, which starred in Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves, as well as the original Bramley apple and a tree which has swallowed a bicycle.

Shortlists featuring 28 of the UK's finest trees have been unveiled by the Woodland Trust, from almost 200 nominations, as it seeks to find a tree of the year for England, Wales, Scotland and North Ireland.

A winner for each country will be selected by a public vote and they will go on to compete in the European tree of the year contest.

The winning tree in each country will benefit from a ‘Tree LC’ grant of £1,000, and any tree with more than 1,000 votes will get £500, which can be used to arrange a health check, provide education materials or hold a celebratory event.

Beccy Speight, 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 People's Postcode Lottery is backing the competition.

Old Knobbley is thought to be the only tree with its own website, and is thought to be more than 800 years old, standing in land which was once part of the Earl of Oxford's estate.

To vote for your favourite tree, click here.