Former Queen guitarist Brian May has lamented the lack of respect and damage being caused to the legendary sabina trees of El Hierro.

He is leading protests following publication of a photo which shows a tourist standing on top of one of the twisted trees that are unique in the Canary Islands.

He says he will be contacting the El Hierro authorities to see if anything can be done to protect the trees and has expressed his bitter disappointment at the abuse being shown.

Brian May loves the Canaries and visited El Hierro to see the sabinas after falling in love with their image in a magazine. He also put a scenic picture on the front of his album Another World and has apologised if the fame which was brought to the trees has in any way contributed to their abuse.