Trees will help create a right royal celebration for an Aldingbourne charity

The first of the trees to mark the Queen’s diamond jubilee was planted at the Aldingbourne Community Centre by her representative in West Sussex, the Lord Lieutenant.

Susan Pyper took great pleasure in shovelling some earth around the young dogwood tree.

She said: “I have had a really enjoyable morning at the country centre and feel honoured to have planted the first tree.

“I had no idea of the range of activities and good work that the Aldingbourne Trust do here and I have had an inspirational morning.”

Many of the adults with learning disabilities supported by the trust joined Mrs Pyper as she launched the huge task of planting all the trees.

Jo Rea and Alex Howard-Williams were helped by British Trust of Conservation Volunteer members to assist the centre’s users with the work. The trees are themed to provide year-round colour and will benefit everyone who goes to the centre just north of the A27 at Norton.