A TREE neighbouring the A377 and which had a long history was blown over by strong winds on Monday.

Sodden ground due to recent heavy rains was believed to be another contributing factor for the reason the tree fell, fortunately not onto the highway but into a hedgerow and field near Downes Corner, just past Downes Bridge, between Crediton and Newton St Cyres.

It was on Friday, March 31, in 2000, at about 11.40am that three young men, in their teens and early 20s and from the Crediton area died when the car in which they were travelling, careered across the carriageway and off the road side-on and into the tree.

Two of the men died instantly when the car struck the tree and the third, who was thrown from the vehicle, was taken by the Devon Air Ambulance to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The town and community was left shocked by the tragedy.

Floral tributes have been a common sight around the tree since that fateful day. AQ