Hundreds of Tollesbury residents came together this weekend to plant more than 400 saplings as part of their commitment to helping tackle climate change.

Villagers of all ages turned up with their own wheelbarrows, spades and watering cans to plant the trees on 19 and 20 March, with around 200 residents taking part in total.

They planted trees, including oak, crab apple, dog rose, hawthorn and elder, along the edge of the village's cemetery and on the recreation ground.

The trees were supplied free of charge by The Woodland Trust 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 weekend was organised by the Tollesbury Climate Partnership (TCP), which was set up by residents last year in efforts to reduce the impact of climate change and protect the local environment for future generations.

Angela Cole, member of the TCP, said: "It's been fantastic seeing so many grandparents, parents and children out planting trees in the sunshine.

"We thought tree planting would be a brilliant way to bring the whole community together working for the environment, which is what our project is all about.

"Planting young trees and improving hedges around the village will help the planet by soaking up carbon, while at the same time helping local wildlife.

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"TCP is organising initiatives like these to make our village a healthier and lovelier place to be."

The organisation has six active groups working to protect the local environment, reduce energy and promote sustainable food and transport.

Projects undertaken by members so far include energy advice cafés, seasonal food recipes and a seed swap hut.

Next month, the group will be holding a study day on the salt marshes in Maldon for young people to learn about how seagrass and marshlands help to limit climate change.

The saplings planted over the weekend will be looked after by TCP volunteers.

Children were also invited to put their names on the trees so they can watch them grow over the coming years.

Schools, community groups and other organisations in Maldon will have the opportunity to order more free trees in October to mark the Platinum Jubilee.

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