TAVISTOCK Guides marked the Queen's Diamond Jubilee last week as they planted around 420 trees gifted to West Devon by the Woodland Trust.

The trees were planted on land owned by West Devon Bborough Council between Monksmead and Tavistock Canal.

Glendale Services, the council's contractors for grounds management, provided labour, tools and compost free of charge and helped the Guides create the new woodland.

Tavistock Tree Preservation Society obtained the pack of 420 mixed trees following a successful application to the Woodland Trust's Jubilee Woods project, which was supported by West Devon Borough Council.

Cllr Robert Oxborough, chair of the council's environment committee, said: 'The new woodland will create an important habitat for wildlife and we hope it will be enjoyed by West Devon's residents for generations to come.

'The council extends its thanks to everyone involved, and would like to encourage the excellent work of volunteer groups such as the Tree Preservation Society, who continuously work closely with borough councillors and officers to maximise the environmental benefit of public land.'

Paul Johnson of Glendale Services  said: 'Glendale were very happy to support this tree planting event as we have maintained the grassed area at Monksmead for a few years, and are keen to see a more useful wildlife habitat at the site through the planting of these trees.

'We will be well placed to look after the trees as they get established."

Rob Sekula, the council's countryside officer, said the trees were planted in the corner of the grassy area to extend the hedgerow habitat and blend with existing trees. The location was chosen to minimise any possible impact on recreation and public use of the rest of the land.