MORE than 60 commemorative trees were bought in the space of a few hours after hundreds of people gathered to watch the lighting of a peace beacon in Colchester.

A total of 200 trees will be planted to create a new woodland in Lower Castle Park to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

It will be known as Tommies' Wood and will include a mix of native tree species including birch, hazel and alder.

Garrison Sergeant Major Billy Biggar referred to Tommies’ Wood during his speech at the beacon lighting ceremony on Sunday evening.

Colchester Council, which is leading the creation of the woodland, said this led to a surge in the trees being bought since the campaign launched last month.

About 100 trees are still available on a first come, first serve basis, and the public has until Friday November 23 to participate.

The trees will be planted on November 24 and 25, to coincide with the start of National Tree Planting Week.

The council is asking for a a minimum donation of £10 to plant a tree, with proceeds being donated to the Royal British Legion.

Sponsors will be able to dedicate their tree to an individual or group and can choose to hang a small laminated picture or letter from its branches to make it more personal.

Each tree will also come with an official commemorative certificate that will record the details of any dedication.

A record of all the trees and dedications will then be preserved in the Borough Archives.

The Mayor of Colchester, Peter Chillingworth, will plant the first tree during a special ceremony on November 24 and the Bishop of Colchester, Roger Morris, will dedicate the wood on the final day of planting.

Ownership of the trees will remain with Colchester Council, who will manage the woodland.

To ensure a diversity of trees, contributors will be allocated a sapling on the day and be given a one-hour time slot to plant it.

The ground will be already prepared for the trees and assistance with the planting will be available on the day if required. Arrangements can also be made for anyone who would like to dedicate a tree but is unable to attend the planting.

It will also be possible for individuals or groups to sponsor seating around the woodland.

Email sean.kennedy@colchester.gov.uk for further details.

To sponsor a tree and select a date and time for planting, visit: www.colchester.gov.uk/tommieswood.