Measures have been put in place to protect an oak tree in Lincolnshire thought to date back to the time of Sir Isaac Newton, who lived nearby.

South Kesteven District Council said the tree in Manthorpe, near Grantham, had suffered significant soil compaction, with ropes being hung from its branches for children to play.

The authority said it had installed new wooden fencing to limit public access as a way of protecting the tree and to keep the surrounding area safe for the public.