An arboreal war over the height of the country's largest plane tree has sprouted between Cheam and Carshalton.

For years, the Plane Tree in the Ecology centre grounds in Carshalton has been widely regarded as the tallest in the country.

Boasting an impressive 123 feet tall and 20 feet in girth the tree has dominated the Sutton skyline for over 200 years although it hasn’t been measured since 1964.

But now it has a challenger.

In the grandeur surroundings on Nonsuch mansion, hides a potential usurper to the Carshalton throne.

The tree, which is concealed behind a number of others, lies in the formal gardens in front of the Nonsuch Mansion House.

According to Councillor Mary Burstow, most people do not even know the magnificent tree exists.

She said: "The tree is hidden away and very few know about it, despite its size. There is a sign nearby which says 'keep off the grass' so people do not tend to go there. It's a sleeping giant."

Mary Buckton, education officer at the Ecology Centre, said: "The tree at the ecology has a resident called Sticky the squirrel. If he found out there was somewhere better to go, he may leave. He got his name as he climbs to the top of the tree and tries to jump onto another tree, invariably falling - usually into the beehive."

Both concerned parties have carried out their own experiments to measure the girth of their contender.

The Ecology Centre claims it can fit 15 children round the tree holding hands. The Nonsuch tree can fit six adults holding hands around it. The debate rages on.