A 125-year-old tree "exploded like a bomb" after being struck by lightning in a ferocious storm over Chartridge Conference Centre.

The centre's Lynn Barrett said: "It was horrendous and frightening. We all huddled on the floor when it happened. The storm was right overhead and the sky was extremely dark.

"We heard a huge bang when the tree was struck. I have never experienced anything like it. Fortunately no one was hurt. People were stunned by the noise, but staff coped very well, ushering people to coffee lounges."

Staff and guests realised the storm was far from ordinary when the clouds first darkened.

One guest said: "The noise was so loud that we all jumped out of our chairs."

Operations director Barry Wilson, who witnessed the lightning strike on the tree, said: "It was amazing. Out of nowhere came this bolt of lightning picking out the tree which literally exploded with bark and branches shooting off in all directions."

The 120ft Californian Redwood, was spliced down the centre of the trunk by the force of the strike to within 4ft of the ground, stripping bark as it went.

Mrs Barrett said the force sent 8ft shards of wood flying in all directions, spearing the ground with such force that each one was buried at least 2ft in the earth.

As the storm drifted away, a mist of smoke floated across Chartridge leaving behind, a smell of smouldering wood and destruction.

The fire alarms went off, summoning the fire brigade.

Guests were then treated to a torrential rainstorm followed by hailstones after the drama on April 19, which plunged the Centre into darkness and "eerie" silence as the electricity was taken out by the force of nature.

The area where the tree once stood has been cordoned off for delegate safety, although guests can still play golf and stroll in the beautiful gardens or run on the fitness trails.

Clearing the debris is expected to be a mammoth task.

However, staff explained it is still business as usual at Chartridge and the four residential properties in the Chartridge group.