CLLR Mark Hooper, Thurrock Council's cabinet member for health and well-being, joined pupils from Stifford Clays Primary School to plant trees as part of National Tree Week.

Today (Thursday, 28 November), three trees were planted at Blackthorn Park close to the school.

The trees were provided by Thurrock Council and pupils were supported with the planting by the council's arboriculture team.

Pupils from Stifford Clays Primary School were involved throughout the planning process, with 18 children aged five to 11 from their school council choosing the types of trees that would be planted.

Following the pupil's research, a democratic election took place to select the trees, with an alder, oak and willow tree being selected. The trees were chosen by the children in the hope that they would attract more wildlife into the park and leave a lasting impact on the area - with some oak trees lasting up to 500 years.

Cllr Hooper said: "This was a fantastic initiative to be involved in. Planting trees can have an enormous impact on our health and well-being by improving our air quality, providing a natural habitat for wildlife and encouraging more people to get out and about in nature.

"Thank you to the pupils at Stifford Clays Primary School for their hard work in helping to select and plant the trees. With the three new trees being planted we can help to ensure our borough embraces its wildlife for generations to come."