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Could this be the largest yew tree in Europe?

A tree in Staffordshire, said to be the widest in Europe, has been shortlisted for a national award.

The giant Yew is said to be the largest in Europe Credit: Staffordshire County Council

The Shugborough Yew is one of ten finalists in the Woodland Trust’s search for England’s Tree of the Year.

It is believed that the tree is over 350 years old and covers an area the size of the Royal Albert Hall.

Staff at the Staffordshire County Council managed estate are have been encouraging supporters of the Yew to cast their vote.

We are very excited that the Shugborough Great Yew has been shortlisted for Tree of the Year. I do hope that the public vote for such a wonderful feature in the heart of the Staffordshire countryside.

– Cllr Mark Winnington, Staffordshire County Council

The winner of the competition will go on to represent England against competitors from Wales, Scotland and elsewhere in Europe in April 2015.