First jubilee event in Nailsea - planting a mighty oak by mini gardeners

Schoolchildren in Nailsea planted a tree on Monday morning to mark 60 years on the throne for Queen Elizabeth II.

Six children armed with spades and wearing wellingtons from Golden Valley Primary School joined town dignitaries and the vice-chairman of North Somerset Council Terry Porter at the Millennium Park for the ceremony.

The children represented different year groups on the school council which has responsibility for replacing the playground 'trim trail' and collating pupil ideas for the green project, said head teacher Kevin Lynch.

Nailsea Town Council vice-chairman Clare Hunt gave a rousing short speech about the special royal anniversary.

She said: "Long live the Queen and long live the jubilee oak which we are planting today in Nailsea to mark the occasion."

The town council funded the £1,000 for the oak which includes the cost of a protective tree fence and an engraved plaque of dedication.

Nailsea Environment & Wildlife Trust spokesman Terry Smith said: "This is an English oak which will grow to a height of 90ft or more in the next 30 years."

Mrs Hunt is heading a working party which is coordinating all the diamond jubilee events planned by local schools, businesses, clubs, pubs and charities.

Planning six millions trees is part of an ambitious nationwide programme which includes a river pageant along the Thames, concert at Buckingham Palace and royal tours of every region in the land.

Mrs Hunt added: "We are busy making contact with all the organisations in the town and so far we have been greeted with an enthusiastic response.

"We are hoping annual events like the Scouts May fair and carnival will be jubilee-themed, the community will embrace lots of street parties, a civic service and perhaps with support a big picnic in the park."

Queen Elizabeth who is now 85 came to the throne aged 25 on February 6, 1952 on the death of her father George VI.

The Queen said in a statement that she was grateful for 'the wonderful support and encouragement' she had received over the years, and promised to 'dedicate myself anew to your service'.

"I hope also that this Jubilee year will be a time to give thanks for the great advances that have been made since 1952 and to look forward to the future," she said.

Anyone wishing to get involved with the celebrations in Nailsea can call the town council on 01275 855277 or email clerk@nailseatowncouncil.gov.uk.