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At least 70 women have "married" dozens of trees in a ceremony aimed at highlighting building plans which could see the trees' removal from the site, BBC News reports.

Organisers said they were worried about the threat posed by proposals to build 166 apartments on land in Bristol.

Event creator Siobhan Kierans said she hoped the "marriage" ceremony showed that "trees are our partners for life".

Bristol City Council said due to the planning application currently being considered it was unable to comment.

The "brides" who took part wore wedding dresses from different cultures while symbolically marrying 74 trees in a ceremony carried out by a celebrant.

Campaigner and "bride" Suzan Hackett, from Bristol, said: "To get married to a tree is an absolute privilege. It's not just a sentimental gesture, it is highly significant and symbolic.

"Trees are pure examples of unconditional love, which fits in so beautifully with the whole idea of marriage. Marriage is for life, breathing is for life.

"Bristol needs mature trees more than it does luxury private housing."

Event organisers said they were inspired by the Chipko women in India in the 1970s, who threw their arms around trees in the Himalayas to protect forests from being destroyed by logging.