NEARLY 500 trees have been planted along the banks of the Tyne.

Friends of the River Tyne was nominated to plant 200 trees by the Queen’s Green Canopy committee.

The nationwide initiative encouraged people to plant a tree to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Friends of the River Tyne (FoRT) was joined earlier this month by East Lothian’s Lord Lieutenant Roderick Urquhart and deputy Sir Hew Dalrymple in planting trees.

A further 30 trees and 30 hedge saplings were also awarded to the group by the Woodland Trust.

Effie Renton, from FoRT, told the Courier: “I spoke to Tommy Dale at Caledonian Horticulture, who kindly donated another 200 trees, and Falko also donated 57 trees, guards and stakes on behalf of Lodge St. John Kilwinning No. 57 Haddington as a legacy.”

Further funding was received from East Lothian Angling Association, Co-op stores in Haddington and East Linton, and Lodge St John Kilwinning No 57.

Alba Trees also supplied trees, guards and stakes for the project.

The FoRT secretary added: “We planted 499 trees in total and the hedging will be planted in Haddington golf course.

“The trees are to help stabilise the riverbanks, where erosion has taken place and in years to come will hopefully also help with light/shade for fishing and help also with flood mitigation.

“Friends of the River Tyne would like to thank everyone involved in helping plant on the Saturday and Sunday.”