A REPLACEMENT for a beloved almond tree cut down on Oxford's High Street came from a Swindon nursery.

Hotelier Jeremy Mogford paid for a tree from Kingsdown Nurseries to be moved with the help of Oxford University's parks department and planted outside the University Church of St Mary the Virgin.

It has not been planted in exactly the same place as its predecessor in order to avoid the possibility of it becoming diseased, and has been planted instead in a new location at the front of the church.

Mr Mogford said: "The trees are right in the view of The Old Bank and everyone was very distressed when the almond tree came down.

"Enhancing the High Street in this way, with some greenery, has to be a good thing and I was delighted to be able to help."

It is joined by two other new trees, a Kashmir Rowan and a tree of Judea.

Rev Dr William Lamb said: "We are absolutely delighted - the almond tree should start to bloom next year."

Oxford tourists and residents were saddened when the original almond tree had to be cut down for safety reasons due to damage suffered during the 2018 heatwave.