A PAIR of trees have been planted in Worcester's historic Fort Royal Park to celebrate its 100th anniversary.

To mark the milestone, members of the Friends of Fort Royal Park and Dr Alvyn Pettersen, the Canon of Worcester Cathedral, bedded in the new trees.

The tree planting marks the end of the centenary celebrations, which kicked off last summer with a party attended by around 200 revellers.

Councillor Lynn Denham, chair of the Friends of Fort Royal Park and Commandery Gardens, said: "Fort Royal is not only a site of great historic importance, it is also a much-loved public space which has been enjoyed by residents and visitors, old and young alike, for one hundred years.

"The planting of these trees marks the end of the Park's official centenary celebrations, which culminated in a birthday party for local people in the summer.

"We hope the Park will continue to be a place where people can play, relax and enjoy the beautiful views across Worcester for many generations to come."

The latest additions to the park are a disease-resistant elm and a pink-berried rowan.

Fort Royal Park was officially opened on June 29 1915, a year after the outbreak of World War One.

The Canon James Maurice Wilson of Worcester Cathedral is mainly credited with creating the park, as he believed children and adults needed open spaces to improve their health.

The park is on a site of the 1651 Battle of Worcester, the final battle of the English Civil War.

It was also visited by the second and third presidents of the United States of America, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.

In 2013 Worcester City Council invested £220,000 in to the park, creating three new Civil War-themed play areas and commissioning a bronze plaque by local sculptor Kenneth Potts, depicting the final battle of the English Civil War on 3 September 1651.