TIME is running out to vote for the Ding Dong Tree in its bid to be named the European Tree of the Year.

The famous tree, which sits in Prestonpans Primary School playground, is in the running for the top title after winning the Scottish Tree of the Year award last summer.

And it has received nearly 4,000 votes from the public already as it takes on international rivals.

The copper beech tree gets its name from a game children have invented where they compete to touch it, shouting “ding dong” when they succeed.

The tree is so woven into the life of the school that it has been described as almost like having an extra member of staff.

Its protecting canopy makes it an ideal outdoor classroom, and it brings particular calm to children with complex emotions. Children hang bird feeders from the branches and it is the subject of many science and art projects.

Beloved by generations of pupils, the tree has become central to the life and identity of the school.

Voting for the European title closes on Tuesday, with the winner expected to be announced a short time after that. At the moment the tree faces some stiff competition, with the Czech Republic’s lime tree from Lipka leading the votes with a staggering 9,345 votes, while the Ding Dong Tree has 3,982 votes.

So keep getting those votes in before the cut-off to give the Prestonpans tree a chance.

To vote, go to www.treeoftheyear.org/ETY-2/Uvod.aspx