A farewell song will be performed as families in Bradford on Avon wave goodbye to one of the town’s oldest residents.

The beech tree in Victory Field, which has stood through two world wars, will be felled on Wednesday after it was found to be unsafe.

It will be a sad day for Bradford born-and-bred who have grown up with the leafy friend standing over them.

Town councillor Vicky Landell-Mills said: “It’s a beautiful tree in a significant place and once it is gone people will really miss it.

“We wanted to notice its parting and will replace it in due course.”

The town council commissioned an arboricultural survey on all trees in the field and the historic beech tree was found to have serious defects. An ultrasound scan indicated that it was rotting from the inside and the council were advised to have it felled.

The mayor of Bradford on Avon, Cllr Paul Skidmore, said: “I regret that the tree has to go but public safety is paramount.

“A new tree of the same type will be planted close to this site some time in the near future.”

Victory Field got its name at the end of World War I, when a parade was held there.

It had been part of Barton Farm, but had for some time previously been used as a playing field for the County Technical School, later known as Fitzmaurice Grammar School, and by other sports clubs.

It is believed that the tree was planted between 1900 and the beginning of the war in 1914, although no specific record of its planting exists.

Poetry readings by children from Christchurch School and Fitzmaurice School will be performed, as well as storytelling by community librarian Penny England.

The events will start at 11am and will be concluded with a song, called Anything Can Happen.

For more details contact the town council on 01225 864240.