A torrential downpour couldn’t stop the mayor of Tavistock from getting his hands covered in soil on Monday as he planted six new mazzard cherry trees at Buckland Abbey to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Refusing to allow the elements to postpone the special event for a second time following Storm Eunice, the mayor planted the new trees in the grounds of the National Trust property — one to commemorate every decade of the Queen’s reign. He was helped by Buckland Abbey staff Sam Brown (head gardener), Carol Murrin, Eleanor Hopkinson, Simon Thompson and  Ryan Hicks and his wife Sue.

Andy said: ‘I’m delighted to be planting local, Devon cherry trees at the entrance to Buckland Abbey that every visitor will see in honour of the Queen’s Jubilee. I hope it encourages other people to plant new trees as well! Considering last week’s storms and the horrors unfolding in Ukraine, it’s good to be doing something special for the future.’

Under head gardener Sam’s guidance, special local cherry trees were chosen as an attractive first step to the site for their contribution to nature. When blossoming, they bear edible fruit which can also be enjoyed by wildlife.

There is a history of cherry orchards in  Buckland Abbey and the wider Tamar Valley, the fruit on which has been used to make local produce such as cherry brandy.

This event is one of 70 tree planting events taking place nationwide by the National Trust to mark the upcoming Platinum Jubilee.