A 'peace' tree planted in memory of Ilkley MP Ann Cryer's late husband has been saved.

The 30ft high common alder had been set outside the Menwith Hill US base in honour of former Labour MP for Bradford South Bob Cryer who died in a car crash in 1994.

North Yorkshire County Council had been due to fell the tree so to carry out road widening work outside the 'spy base' - until peace campaigners pointed out its significance.

The authority has now moved the alder and replanted it nearby.

A spokesman said: "We realised the tree was under threat and we appreciated its significance to both the memory of Bob Cryer and the peace campaigners."

Mr Cryer was a critic of the activities of Menwith Hill, which uses radar technology to 'listen in' on phone calls and e-mails.

Mrs Cryer, who attended the original tree-planting ceremony, said: "I am delighted they have saved the tree and I'm grateful to the peace campaigners."