RESIDENTS in Upton-upon-Severn are being invited to help plant a cherry tree to celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday this month.

The tree, provided by the Upton in Bloom committee, will be dug in at the corner of Severn Drive and Gardens Walk at 10.30am on the Queen's birthday - Thursday, April 21.

Jackie Surtees, chair of Upton in Bloom, said: "We felt we ought to do something, and I think a cherry tree is a good way - something that will be there every year.

"Everybody who comes, we will get them to put a trowel full of soil in. It belongs to the community then. We are going to get a plaque made as well.

"The corner that we are putting it on, we have already got a trough there that we fill with plants every year and last November we planted daffodils and crocuses which have already flowered.

"There is a seat there as well, hopefully on a hot summer's day it will provide some shade."

Members of Upton in Bloom are busy planning a floral float which will take part in a village parade to celebrate the Queen's official birthday, Saturday, June 11.

The In Bloom group is also preparing to take part in this year's Royal Horticultural Society's Britain in Bloom UK Finals, after it was selected from more than 600 entries.

Everyone is welcome to help plant the tree next Thursday.