THE mayor of Colchester will kick-start the borough’s platinum jubilee celebrations during a special ceremony in Lower Castle Park.

At 2pm on Sunday, the mayor will plant a commemorative oak tree on to mark the 70th anniversary of the Queen’s accession to the throne.

The prime spot has been chosen to plant the Quercus Robur Fastigiata, a deeply lobed, glossy green leafed tree with foliage which turns golden brown in the autumn and is adorned with acorns, which are a welcome addition for wildlife.

The ceremony will be the first of many civic and public events to be held across the borough in celebration of the queen’s platinum jubilee – and in this case the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, which invites people to plant a tree for the jubilee.

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Colchester mayor Robert Davidson said: “The platinum jubilee celebrations are certain to be memorable and leave a lasting legacy in Colchester.

“The pandemic has proved a challenging time for us all and Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee is the perfect opportunity for people to come together and celebrate this extraordinary milestone in our nation’s history.

“I am honoured to be planting a special oak tree - it will be enjoyed by many people for many years to come.”