The first of seven trees has been planted in Maldon to mark each decade of the Queen's reign, as she becomes the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee this year.

The American sweetgum tree - also known as liquidamber styraciflua - was planted at St Mary's Church, on Church Street, alongside a commemorative plaque as part of the Queen's Green Canopy initiative, which aims to encourage people across the UK to plant a tree for the Platinum Jubilee.

The ceremony on Tuesday (22 February) was attended by Jennifer Tolhurst, lord lieutenant of Essex, town mayor David Ogg, town councillors and students from Plume Academy.

Councillor Carlie Mayes, chairman of the town's environment committee, said: "Trees are one of our most powerful weapons in the fight against climate change.

"They capture and store carbon, help to prevent flooding, reduce city temperatures, filter the air and provide vital habitats for wildlife.

"The town council are committed to doing our bit and more trees will be planted at the Plume Academy, Wentworth Primary School, Leeches Memorial Garden and on Fambridge Road."

The environment committee has set aside a budget of £4,000 for the initiative, and £2,500 for other events to celebrate the milestone.

It comes ahead of the four-day Bank Holiday weekend taking place in the UK to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Queen's accession - beginning on Thursday, 2 June and continuing over the weekend until Sunday, 5 June.

A red, white and blue theme is being planned for Maldon, which will involve the installation of a bunting along the high street and the decoration of Moot Hall as a focal point of the display.

There will be a service at All Saints Church, on Church Walk, which is currently invitation only due to potential Covid restrictions.

Town councillors are also set to encourage residents to hold street parties, while applications are open for groups to submit events they could bring to open spaces in Maldon - with ideas for the Platinum Jubilee particularly encouraged.

Photos of all the trees planted for the Queen's Green Canopy will be uploaded onto an interactive map on the scheme's website, so everyone can share their plantings and encourage others to get involved.

READ MORE:

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