TO thousands of students who went to the former Filands School site in Malmesbury, the place where they or their friends did their early smooching holds a special place in their affections.

A large oak tree standing in the far corner of the soon-to-be redeveloped school field is known to all as the 'Kissing Tree'.

Former pupil Mark Jenner was so determined to prevent the tree's removal from the field for the 176-home estate that he instigated a preservation order being placed on it by North Wiltshire District Council.

Haulage contractor Mark, 42, lives opposite the school and can see the oak from his house.

He said: "That's where we used to do our romancing.

"It's got happy memories for all our group that used to go to Filands.

"I don't know how long the oak tree has been there for but it would be a shame to see it go.

"As with most district council stuff I had a bit of a job getting hold of the right person.

"So I phoned John Thomson (Malmesbury County Councillor) up and he got hold of the right man, and within a day he called me back and said he was happy to help."

North Wiltshire District Council's environmental team has now ensured the tree is protected from any future harm by making it part of five Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) given for the site.

Malmesbury Town Council emulated Mark's move, and asked for a TPO to be placed on the oak tree as one of the conditions for it agreeing to the Filands' redevelopment.

The orders have also been made for a beech tree at the entrance to the school, two rows of young trees and a maple in the coach park.

Deputy clerk for the town council Sue Webb said: "The only one we requested was the oak tree but we were quite pleased there were others as well."