ALMOST a quarter of trees in the grounds of Bolton Parish Church are having to be felled after contracting a deadly fungus.

Around 26 Ash trees in the grounds have been affected by Ash dieback - a destructive, invasive fungal disease.

Contractors moved in on Monday to start work on chopping them down.

Church Warden, Cllr John Walsh said they have 'no choice'.

He said: “Around 26 trees of the 110 trees we have in the grounds will have to be felled. It is very sad we are having to do this. Some of the trees are more than 100 years old.

“I noticed some of the trees were in a poor condition and contacted the council’s arboricultural officer, who said the trees were now dangerous and authorised the work to be carried out.”

The affected trees are said to be 'riddled' with the disease.

Ash dieback is lethal to European Ash trees and originated in Asia.

It is thought to have been brought to the UK on imported Ash trees some years before it was first identified in Britain in 2012.

Ash dieback infects and kills trees - increasing the danger of them falling, especially in high winds.

It is spread by wind-blown spores or by trees growing too close to infected ash trees.

It attacks them quickly and there is currently no prevention or treatment available.

Cllr Walsh said people should not be alarmed when they see the works being carried out.

He added the church hopes to replace the lost trees next year, as part of the 150th anniversary of the church's consecration.

He said: "It is a devastating disease which is affecting Ash trees across the country. I have heard the North West has been particularly bad hit this year.”

“We will make plans when we can for the 150th anniversary, and as part of those we are hoping people will buy a tree in memory of a loved one to be planted in the grounds so future generations can enjoy what we have.”

Earlier this month, the National Trust warned that trees and woods which inspired the likes of Beatrix Potter and John Constable could be lost due to a surge in the disease.

The conservation charity said it faces its worst year on record for felling trees due to Ash dieback, in part because of one of the warmest and driest springs on record.