A YOUNG English oak tree now takes pride of place in North Tawton Primary School's new millennium garden following its dedication by a Royal Navy officer on Monday.

North Tawton was one of 100 schools around the country to receive a tree from the navy and a warm welcome was given to Captain Jamie Miller, deputy flag officer of Sea Training, Plymouth, from staff, children, governors and dignitaries of the town.

The school has built up quite a connection with the navy over the years through former pupils who have joined the forces and it currently has correspondence with one of the parents on the nuclear-powered submarine HMS Triumph, and an internet link with HMS Newcastle.

Headteacher Neil Hallam said the school wrote directly to the Admiralty asking to have an oak tree and they received a positive reply from the First Sea Lord.

'These oaks are being planted by the navy to mark the millennium and bring the navy closer to the community,' he said. 'It is reminding people of the navy's connections with the oak tree, several acres of which were used to make each of the old warships.

'By planting these oaks, the navy is symbolically putting these trees back into the countryside.'

Picture by Ian Snell