THE first tree planting in Tavistock as part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations will take place at Monksmead next week.

The planting has been organised by Tavistock Tree Preservation Group — some 420 trees are due to be planted in Tavistock with help from the Guides and local contractors Glendale, who will supply their labour free of charge and contribute some materials.

The project is one of the first in the county to commemorate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, and it is hoped that it will be able to form a part of woodland which will be known locally as the Diamond Jubilee Wood.

Group chair Howard Jones said: 'The Group very much appreciates the generosity of our sponsors in the project, namely the Woodland Trust, who supplied the trees, Glendale, who supplied materials and labour and the Guides who volunteered to plant many of the trees.

'We hope to do further planting in Tavistock and the surrounding hamlets to ensure that not only are the trees we see today preserved but also that replacement trees are planted for the benefit of future generations.'

As part of the Jubilee Woods project the Queen planted a native English oak at the Sandringham Diamond Jubilee Wood Last week. Accompanied by the Princess Royal, the royal party were joined by local schoolchildren who planted over 500 trees throughout the day.

The Tavistock Tree Preservation Group have also acquired a native oak tree from the Royal Estates which will be grown further by tree warden Terry Gosling before being planted out on a selected site in Tavistock.

It is hoped that this tree will grow into a first class specimen tree, which will commemorate the Jubilee, and give pleasure for many years.

If anyone wishes to suggest a suitable site for this special tree or wishes to join the Tavistock Tree Preservation Group they should e-mail details to [email protected]">[email protected]