NOT even a ferocious lightning strike was enough to snuff out life in this tree.

Blackened and broken by the damage several years ago, this ash has clung on to life.

Its foliage looks lush and healthy, despite the damage to its trunk.

The picture by taken by

Hereford Times Camera Club

member Ruth Pender near Wellington Court, Wellington, near Hereford.

She said: "Amazing! Burnt and hollow but still alive!"

Just last week a dramatic lightning storm raged over large parts of Herefordshire.