Majestic magnolia takes pride of place

It has survived the Second World War and the harshest weather conditions Mother Nature has thrown at it.

But 86 years on and this magnificent magnolia tree is still adding colour to the garden of pensioner Dorothy Brookes from Sedgley.

Slowly but surely the pink and white flowers are beginning to blossom, much to the delight of the grandmother-of-three.

"It's taken a long time for the buds to open up but they are now finally starting to bloom," the 89-year-old said.

"People often stop and stare at the tree as the walk past my garden. They always say it looks lovely. It's just so beautiful."

Mrs Brookes moved into her home in December 1941 with her husband Austin. His parents had previously lived in the property and planted the tree.

The former typist from Sedgley's Beacon Centre for the Blind added: "I have watched the tree grow from a much smaller tree into the size it is now. It just takes over the whole of the garden when it blooms."