The owner of a classic sports car was able to breath a sigh of relief after it emerged with just a few minor scratches from under a falling tree.

The red Toyota MR2 was parked in City Way, Rochester this afternoon when part of an ornamental cherry tree crashed onto the roof.

But when council contractors removed the heavy branch there were few signs of any damage - apart from a large quantity of leaves and flower buds.

Police stood guard over the car while the branch was chopped up and removed by the contractors.