Bilsthorpe Flying High Academy pupils plant tree in honour of the Queen’s platinum jubilee alongside Mark Spencer MP

School children planted a tree in honour of the Queen’s platinum jubilee.

Bilsthorpe Flying High Academy pupils joined dignitaries including Mark Spencer MP and Bilsthorpe Parish Council chairman Ross Stoneman to mark the occasion.

The tree was planted in pride of place in the centre of the gardens at Bilsthorpe’s Village Hall and is an ornamental white stemmed birch called Snow Queen.

Mr Stoneman said: “We have planted this tree to mark the Queen’s platinum jubilee celebrations and to provide a focal point for local people to come and reflect on her 70-year reign. We are pleased that so many people attended including our local scouts, members of the parish council and community, the local school and also Mark Spencer MP.”

Mr Spencer said: “I am here to support the Bilsthorpe Parish Council and I think it is important to mark the platinum jubilee and to acknowledge what an important day that will be the diary.

“It’s great for the school children to be a part of this and to recognise the Queen’s amazing 70 years on the throne.

“After all, it’s unlikely any of us will ever witness anything like this again.”

Pupil Sophie Newton, 9, said: “We have been here today to plant a tree for the Queen. I have enjoyed being here and I think the tree is really special.”

Hugo Butcher, 10, said: “Planting trees is important because it helps with oxygen levels and the environment. Also, they are good habitat for animals. I think this is a nice way to remember the day and planting a tree is always good for the environment too.”

Parish clerk Kate Bell will take care of the tree.

“I will be staking the tree for support and taking care of watering until it is established,” she said. “It will be a beautiful white stemmed birch and a fantastic place for visitors to take a photograph in years to come. We hope that the tree will thrive and be here for generations of people to come and see.”

Head Sam Leek said: “The children and I are so pleased to have been invited to attend this tree planting ceremony at Bilsthorpe Village Hall. I believe it is so important for the school and the local community to work in partnership to provide the best possible opportunities for all members of our wider community.

“This event further complements our school curriculum to provide a real life and authentic experience for our pupils and helps our children to understand the significance of the Platinum Jubilee and the celebrations to come. We are grateful to have been a part of such an important event in our local community.”