An MP has planted a tree to mark the Queen’s lifelong service to the Commonwealth.

John Whittingdale joined Henry Bass, chairman of Maldon District Council, Bob Boyce, chairman of the community services committee, Ron Pratt and Nick Sandford from the Woodland Trust to plant a tree in Riverside Park in Burnham as part of the Commonwealth Canopy.

More than 500 MPs took part across the country.

The scheme has been a longstanding forest conservation project throughout Queen Elizabeth II’s time.

Beccy Speight, chief executive of the Woodland Trust, said: “We are delighted so many MPs have decided to join us in our bid to plant trees as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy. We all need trees.

“They are a cornerstone of our landscape.

I hope the residents of the Maldon district will enjoy watching them flourish as part of this wonderful legacy initiative.”