At least 324 trees were ripped from their roots by storms in Croydon last week.

Council staff were on call for most of the Christmas period, working around the clock to clear hazards and blockages on the borough's paths and roads.

They cleared 78 more than on St Jude's Day in October. 

The team and specialist tree-removal contractors together worked 36 consecutive hours in the run-up to Christmas, finally clocking off at 9pm on December 24.

Councillor Phil Thomas, cabinet member for highways and environmental services, said: "The safety of the public was our prime concern and I’m proud of the team who worked so hard at a time of year when many people are hoping to spend time with their families.

"Staff offered to change their leave plans and work throughout the weekend to stay on top of the situation.

"Although there was some inevitable disruption I believe that everyone did a fantastic job and kept inconvenience to local people to an absolute minimum."

Croydon is home to 35,000 trees bordering roads, as well as 400 hectares of woodland and 127 parks, making it one of London's leafiest boroughs.