IT is set to branch out into the Eastleigh election fray.

The campaign to save Sid the Sycamore captured the headlines and could be a big green issue as voters go to the polls.

Planted in 1936 to celebrate the founding of the Borough of Eastleigh, the tree was given the chop on Easter Monday to make way for a new studio linked to The Point.

Freelance photographer Matthew Myatt spearheaded the Save Sid campaign and created a special website which had hits from around the world.

Mr Myatt is standing as an Independent in Eastleigh Central Ward where the other candidates are Daniel Bradbeer (UK Indepedence Party) Glynn Davies-Dear (Liberal Democrat) Robert Quane (Conservative) Alan Sneddon (Independent) and Sam Snook (Labour).