Owners of the historic Combermere Abbey, on the border of Cheshire and Shropshire, have announced the donation of a mature oak tree towards the re-building of the roof of Notre Dame cathedral in Paris.

The cathedral suffered extensive damage when it caught fire last week and the Combermere oak is one of more than 150 oaks to have already been pledged from some of the UK’s most famous estates, following an offer from members of Historic Houses, the association for independently owned historic homes and gardens.

Combermere Abbey, founded in 1133, along with other historic house owners in the region has volunteered valuable trees, planted for timber centuries ago, as a gift from the UK to France for the restoration of the iconic landmark’s roof, destroyed by fire earlier this week and owner Sarah Callander Becket believes this is an important reason why to help.

“This estate was established almost a thousand years ago, similar in age to the trees that were used in the original roof of the cathedral," she said, comfirming the planting of 10 oak saplings in its place.

"During the recent restoration of our North Wing we uncovered oaks that were planted in 1300 so it is vital that we continue to plant for the future. "This year we celebrate 100 years of my family’s guardianship of the estate, and as such it is simply good practice to think of the contribution of these wonderful places in the centuries to come.

"These young oaks will be planted in areas where the public can come and enjoy them including a special 'Centenary Wood'."

A similar project was initiated after the devastating York Minster fire in 1984 more than 40 'Historic Houses' member places pledged 80 oak trees for the reconstruction efforts, joining donations from the Queen and the Prince of Wales.

The famous Wellington oak was planted in the park in 1820 to commemorate the visiting of the Duke of Wellington.

James Birch, owner of Doddington Hall, President of Historic Houses, said: "The fire at Notre Dame is a terrible tragedy. It is also a reminder of how our great buildings provide a cultural back drop to everyday life that is often only recognised when they are threatened.

"Some of our members have first-hand experience of the damage and destruction of catastrophic fires. It’s fitting that we would offer to help restore such an important part of the world’s heritage."