A COUPLE from Windmill Hill in Runcorn are lucky to be alive after a tree smashed through their home following gale force winds last Friday.

The lady, who does not wish to be named, said: "We were out when our neighbour rang to tell us what had happened."

The tree caused damage to plants, smashed a fence panel, caused a roof panel to come loose and scratched a window in the conservatory.

She added: "It has left me traumatised. We are extremely lucky we were out.

"We have had tree surgeons out to look at it and are currently waiting on someone calling out to assess the damage."