A 100-year-old beech tree is due for the chop - unless a councillor gets his way.

The tree, thought to be more than 100 years old, in Langley Park Road, Sutton, is at risk as it encroaches onto the pavement and reduces its width to less than 50cm.

But Conservative Councillor Tony Shields says he will chain himself to the tree if necessary in a bid to save it from coming down.

He said: "They say they want to chop it down because it makes the pavements too narrow but my wife's been down there with a double buggy and there's plenty of room.

"In fact, to get to that stretch of pavement you have to cross over the road, so if you have a problem you don't have to go there.

"It's a lovely tree. It's more than 100-years-old and it's a copper beech, which are quite rare and have red leaves rather than the usual green leaves.

"It would be a real shame to see it go over something like this."

Coun Shields said he has spoken to the occupant living in the house nearest the tree who says he would consider letting the council extend the pavement on to his property if that would save the tree.

Sutton Council said it received a complaint about the width of the pavement from a member of the public prompting it to investigate.

A spokesman said the pavement cannot be made wider at the point in question so alternatives are being looked into.

The spokesman added: "The council does everything it can to support its policy to not remove healthy trees and look for alternatives where possible.

"Sutton is known throughout London for its leafy, green appearance so we do everything we can to maintain this."