A school in Melton has launched a tree-planting programme for the start of the annual planting season.

The youngsters at Melton Primary School found a spot for one of the first trees to be planted as part of East Suffolk Council's Tree and Hedgerow Strategy.

Councillor Sally Noble, East Suffolk Council's cabinet member for the environment, got full backing for the strategy back in July.

The scheme aims to plant 250,000 trees to increase canopy cover by 1%.

Ms Noble said: "I’m delighted to have been joined by pupils at Melton Primary School in helping to kick-start our planting programme.

"I’m continually encouraged by children’s understanding of the environment and enthusiasm for enriching our natural surroundings."

The tree was given to the school to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee and was grown by Ms Noble until it was ready to plant.

The tree planted is one of the first in the scheme (Image: East Suffolk Council) Nicole Barr, volunteer co-ordinator and forest school lead for Melton Primary School, said: "We’re very grateful to councillor Noble for looking after the tree and returning to help plant it here.

"The symbol of the school is an acorn and oak leaf, so it feels like an appropriate addition to our wooded area."

The strategy is part of a nationwide move to create space and connectivity for nature to thrive.

East Suffolk Council will also provide more resources to support the role of town and parish councils, as well as tree wardens and community volunteers, in protecting and managing new and existing trees.

Ben Green, external affairs officer at the Woodland Trust, said: "With the Woodland Trust’s financial support, expert guidance, and unwavering commitment, we’re here to help you make a lasting impact.

"Let’s work together to secure a greener, more resilient future for east Suffolk."