CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save a 150-year-old beech tree next to a rugby pitch in Settle have helped a local artist to create an ‘art installation’ around it to highlight its plight.

Artist Susan Askew, who was born and bred in the Settle area, has made the work as part of the degree course she is currently undertaking. She asked fellow artists to contribute to the installation and received receive 46 responses from 38 artists living as far afield as Germany, Holland and Sweden. Each original piece was posted to Susan with messages of goodwill. She then added her own artwork to the collection.

North Ribblesdale Rugby Union Club has been given permission by planners to cut down the tree as part of drainage improvements to one of its pitches. Settle residents formed the group ROOTS - Respect Our Old Trees in Settle - to try to save the tree, and others nearby which could be affected by the scheme. ROOTS spokeswoman Jenny Hall said: “It’s great to see such a celebration of this wonderful tree.

“We remain hopeful that the tree will be spared and that improvements can go ahead without damaging it.”