Kent to replace the lime tree

Kent are to replace the famous lime tree within the playing area at their ground in Canterbury, after the original blew down in strong winds last week. The short ceremony will take place at 11am on Tuesday, March 8.

Carl Openshaw, Kent's chairman, said: "There has been a lime tree on the boundary's edge for as long as cricket has been played on the St Lawrence Ground. In 1999, when the future of the original tree was first in doubt, it was decided to plant a replacement tree so that this tradition could be preserved. We have received overwhelming support and interest from within Kent and from far afield, and we propose to stage a formal planting ceremony in March."

Kent are also hoping to make a range of mementos from the wood of the original tree, which was over 200 years old.