A WEST?Devon charity is planting 420 free trees from the Woodland Trust to celebrate the Queen's diamond jubilee next year.

The Gilead Foundation Charity has received a free 420-tree pack from the Woodland Trust as part of the organisation's Jubilee Woods project. The trees planted at Risdon Farm in Jacobstowe will provide native woodland cover for wildlife in the area.

Among the 420 trees in the pack was a special Royal Oak tree, which was planted near the farm's new bungalows by Central Devon MP Mel Stride.

Fundraising manager and event organiser Lois Samuel said: 'Tree planting is a fantastic and fun way for us to do something lasting in our local area. We hope our trees will help attract wildlife and make a real difference to everyone who will see them.

'It's incredible to think that in just five years, our trees will be as tall as us. Gilead is a residential care home for vulnerable adults and their families. For sure, all who stay and visit will benefit from this donation.'

Victoria Hodson from the Woodland Trust said: 'We are delighted the Gilead Foundation Charity are using our free tree scheme to plant more trees in the Okehampton area.

'Communities are transforming their neighbourhoods, growing their own fruits and food, creating shade and shelter, and providing new homes for wildlife.

'Next year, we are offering more free trees as part of the Jubilee Woods project to celebrate Queen Elizabeth's diamond jubilee and would love more communities to get involved.'

The project has the support of the Queen, and the Princess Royal as its patron.

More than 1,000 registrations were received for community packs this autumn, and as a result more than 200,000 free trees will be planted across the UK.

The tree packs are being provided in partnership wih Ibuyeco, one of the UK's leading eco insurance providers who have worked with the trust for over two years and have generously raised £300,000 for the charity.

In February, the Woodland Trust is encouraging people across the UK to come together and plant a million trees in one month to celebrate the diamond jubilee. Communities can take part by applying for a free pack at http://www.jubileewoods.org.uk/treepacks">www.jubileewoods.org.uk/treepacks

Applications for February tree packs close on Wednesday December 7.