Office staff had a shock when a tree fell down in high winds blocking the entrance to their firm.

The huge tree crashed down just after 9.30am at Cerium Group Limited, which is based in Appledore Road.

James Sangster, a Cerium company director, said that the tree had been brought down in high winds and after a period of heavy rain.

He said: “It’s not the sort of thing you expect in front of your business but the tree was quickly cleared away and the remaining trees are all now being checked to ensure that they are safe.”

The firm manufactures optical products, including the plastic for lenses in glasses, and has occupied the site for more than 25 years.

Tree surgeons were spotted outside the premises at noon, cutting off branches and removing all the waste.

No one was injured in the incident and there was no other damage caused.