A TREE which fell on to the main Bolton Road in Darwen during yesterday's strong winds caused delays for morning motorists.

The tree, which was in the grounds of the disused Belgrave Church, was uprooted at around 7.50am.

Darwen firefighter Jeff Ball said: "A Land Rover from the fire station was called out and a saw had to be used to reduce the tree's size.

"It was blocking the road and the police had to control the traffic around it."

Sgt Steve Bury of Darwen police said: "The tree which was about 25ft long was removed by the Fire Brigade and the Highways Authority then came to cut it up. It caused minor disruption to motorists for about an hour."