It's got apple canker a fungal disease caused by Neonectria galligena, which attacks the bark of apples and some other trees, causing a sunken area of dead bark and, eventually, death of the branch. Given that this is at the base of the trunk I think your only solution is to remove the tree completely.

Thanks ,I was afraid that was what it might be but
there is growth already is the absolutely no way to save it?

I would think it difficult Dorcas with the canker being at the base of the trunk copy and paste the link below for the RHS advice

http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/profile.aspx?pid=63

Thanks Moon growe
will try the link