MOTHER Nature has been wreaking havoc in North Bradley following a lightning strike today which left many properties without power.

Residents around the Churchlands area were plunged into darkness at around midday today when a lightning strike hit a near 30ft Sycamore tree.

Julie Mckechnie, whose garden looks out onto the tree in the plot of land, was in her living room when the lightning strike took place.

"I was sat in my chair and there was this almighty flash and then all the electricity went out - I thought the house was about to come down," she said. 

"I did not realise it was the tree, I thought it was the aerial. The thunder was like an enormous bang too. 

"Nature is a force to be reckoned with at times but to be honest I will be happy to see it go as I am picking up leaves from it all the time."

A team of tree surgeons, hired by Wiltshire Council, are assessing the situation and are likely to fell it tomorrow. 

Neighbour Lesley Bodman added: "There was a mighty blue flash followed by a bright orange one.

"Now I have to replace our cordless phones as they are broken. Our TV is still not working too."