CAMPAIGNERS battling to save East Cowes' iconic umbrella tree say an independent study has found it poses no immediate danger to the public.

Tree surgeon Peter Abraham, who used to work for English Heritage, inspected the tree which was planted by Queen Victoria's road manager more than 100 years ago.

He concluded he could find no trace of 'honey fungus' on the tree that was said to be damaging it, raising fears it could be cut down.

His findings have been welcomed by campaigners, Bev Webster and Chris Gutteridge, who commissioned the report and have been battling to save the tree.

Mr Gutteridge said: "I am hopeful now the tree can be saved. I was over the moon about his report's conclusions."

In his report, Mr Abraham, of Beatrice Avenue, East Cowes, said he had checked the condition of the trunk all around and it appeared to be sound. Its bark was also in good condition.

He said: "I would have expected the bark to be peeling off if there was any suggestion of honey fungus."

He added: "I then went back to the crown of the tree, and again, there had been suggestions of die back.

"The twigs which were dead and dying were under the base of the crown and during the summer months when the tree is in full leaf, the twigs under the crown are blocked from the light and this is a natural reaction to trees of this nature.

"The conclusion I found on this tree is that it does not appear to be in any immediate danger to the public, but an annual inspection would be good practice for the public interest."

As reported last week, wildlife presenter, Chris Packham joined forces with campaigners trying to save the tree.

East Cowes Town Council sent a letter to the IW Council calling for an immediate halt to plans to remove the tree.

The council's cabinet member for planning and housing, Cllr Barry Abraham, said the authority was exploring a range of options to prolong the life of the tree and a decision to fell it would only be a last resort.