BLACKBURN Cathedral has denied that ancient trees are to be axed so that its flock can get a better view of its new £100,000 'Healing of the Nations' sculpture.

The 21ft copper disc with its fibre optics, branded a flying saucer with flashing lights by some members of the public, was hoisted by crane and fixed to the east wall last month.

It was the culmination of 18 months work by artist Mark Jalland and paid for by the European Union's fund for the regeneration of town centres.

A Cathedral spokesman confirmed three small trees had been removed with the permission and full support of the borough council. But all the mature trees were safe, he added.

"The three small trees were limes or conifers, not mature or indigenous, and were not appropriate to the Close where there were too many trees in that area. This is all about good husbandry."

In answer to claims by some Blackburn residents that they could not see the valuable sculpture for the trees, he added: "The idea all along was that the trees would be part of the sculpture experience. The mature trees are safe."

The dark green sculpture has been designed as "a Christian symbol which will have resonance with a multi-faith community."