MEMBERS and staff from Newton Abbot Town Council gathered in Victoria Gardens on March 11 to unveil a plaque beneath a hornbeam maple, planted to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

On what was the 70th day of the year, mayor, Cllr Mike Joyce, unveiled the plaque and told those present that his authority was proud to take part in the national Queen’s Green Canopy Project which will result in thousands of trees being planted across the country.

Cllr Joyce said: ‘It was with immense pride that I was able to unveil this plaque to mark the planting of this tree.

‘It is a symbol of Newton Abbot Town Council’s support for her Majesty the Queen in her Platinum Jubilee Year.’

Deputy mayor, Carol Bundy, added: ‘It’s absolutely wonderful, it’s our way of saying to the Queen, you’ve done so well.’

The Queen’s Green Canopy aims to highlight 70 unique and irreplaceable ancient woodlands and identify 70 of Britain’s oldest trees.

It will also create a pilot training programme for unemployed 16-24 year olds while school children will be encouraged to work towards their Junior Forester Award.