THE first of the borough's new trees set to be planted in Thurrock to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee has been put in place in South Ockendon with ward councillors Sue Shinnick and Andrew Jefferies picking up spades to help it take root.

The new tree has been planted on the green near Ockendon station.

Trees will be planted in every ward as part of the national Queen's Green Canopy scheme. It is hoped they will grow and thrive and serve as a living celebration of this auspicious royal year.

Cllr Jefferies, who is also cabinet member for environment, said: "I am truly honoured to plant a tree for the Jubilee. Eventually every ward will have a new tree chosen and located by ward councillors. These new trees will stand as a living commemoration of our monarch reaching such an incredible milestone.

"We are committed to making sure that appropriate trees are planted in suitable areas where they will have a positive environmental impact and promote physical and mental wellbeing by creating natural sanctuaries across Thurrock.

"As well as these new trees in every ward we will also be planting more than 3,400 new whips and trees in Thurrock thanks to £285,000 funding from the Forestry Commission."