An 800-year-old tree’s future has been secured after three years of work to save it.

The future of the Minchenden Oak, in Waterfall Road, was thrown into doubt in November 2013 when it came perilously close to death.

However, after work by Enfield Borough Council and regeneration of the Minchenden Oak garden, the friends group held a day to celebrate their hard work.

The oak is said to be older than the Magna Carta and once stood in the ancient Forest of Middlesex.

The Bishop of London the Rt Revd & Rt Hon Richard Chartres presided over a ceremony of rededication and blessing of the garden, attended by more than 100 people.

An oak sapling grown from a Minchenden acorn was planted by the representative Deputy Lieutenant of Enfield Ann Cable and Deputy Mayor of Enfield Cllr Bernadette Lappage, while songs were sung by choir Childrens Voices of Enfield.

The children’s choir and sixth Southgate cub scouts scattered wildflower seeds below the trees as part of the planting.

Chris Horner, of Friends of Minchenden Oak Garden, said: “The event on Sunday was a truly inclusive community event involving the Bishop, the new vicar of Christ Church, the congregation, the scout group, a local Enfield choir, local residents of all ages, councillors and civic representatives.

“Songs were sung by the youth choir and thanks were given for the long life of the old tree and towards the forth coming life of the new tree.”